Passed away unexpectedly surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) in Victoria B.C. He was born on May 12, 1952, in Yellowknife, N.W.T. to parents Fred and Martha Kent (deceased), who emigrated from the Czech Republic. Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lise; daughter, Chelsea Pettinger (Abby and Luke); son, Joshua Kent (Jadon); brother, Perry and wife Jocelyne; sister, Linda and husband Alan (deceased), and nieces, Jamie, Christie (Jackson), and Jennifer. He is also survived by his uncle Jarka, many cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Steve attended medical school in Manitoba and, after a pediatric pulmonary fellowship in Honolulu, came to B.C. in 1981. He quickly established himself as a passionate pioneer in the realm of pediatric pulmonology. Working closely with colleagues at the BC Children’s Hospital, he was involved in launching a newborn cystic fibrosis (CF) screening program in B.C. He was instrumental in establishing Vancouver Island’s first CF clinic at VGH, giving children and their families hope for a healthier future. Steve spent 3 years as a consulting pediatrician with interest in Pediatric Pulmonology, at the Shaikh Khalifa Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. He was dedicated to his Tofino, B.C clinic and took pride caring for the children in the surrounding areas. His work as a consultant pediatrician at Willows Pediatrics in Victoria was another impactful way he engaged his specialty.
Steve was a tireless advocate for his patients, a collaborative colleague, and an extraordinarily kind clinician. As a pediatrician, he consistently worked towards improving care and services for those with CF. A major acknowledgement of this work came in 2021 when Steve was recipient of the CF Canada Dr. Douglas Crozier Award for exceptional support to individuals or families living with CF.
As a medical educator, Steve prioritized trainee awareness of respiratory diseases and conditions. He was committed to learning about new and emerging therapies and treatments for CF and was always eager to share knowledge and opportunities with the medical community, as well as the children and families he championed.
Steve had an infectious sense of humour and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved running, kayaking and camping with his close friends (Brian).
A heartfelt thank you to the Saanich Fire Department, paramedics, and staff at RJH. Also, a very special thank you for the loving care and kindness of the doctors, nurses and staff at RJH CCU.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada (in honour of Dr. Steven Kent).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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61 Responses
Condolences to his family
Dr. Kent, to my memory of all the many doctors I interacted with as a kid, was the first to make me feel heard and safe, and to take my case as seriously as I needed to get help. He’s the reason I was even able to get a diagnosis for Crohn’s, and then the treatment that in all honestly saved my life.
Without him, I don’t know where I would be, and in his office, I felt safe as a patient in a way that I’d never gotten anywhere else in the medical system. Dr. Kent was such a kind, thoughtful person, and I’m so, so thankful that I and so many other kids and families had his help. I hope wherever he is, he’s at peace, and that his family are all well; I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose such a kind husband or father.
I’ll always remember your kindness, Dr. Kent; thank you for giving so much of it to patients like me.
We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s death. Even though we have not been in contact for many years our memories of Steve are easy to recall. We knew him professionally and personally in Winnipeg and Hawaii. He was a kind thoughtful man and an excellent clinician. We got to know Lise in Hawaii too as we both had babies that year. Sending our condolences to Lise and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Steven’s passing. Charles and Steven were at university together in Winnipeg. Our sincere condolences.
Dr. Charles and Mrs. Brenda Jackson
We were so shocked to hear of Steve’s sudden passing. We were privileged to get to know Steve and Lise while living in Abu Dhabi and shared alot of good times. Steve was an excellent physician and I and my patients were well served by him, both in the Emerites and here in BC.
He will be sorely missed.
Carole and Chris Williams
I just found out about Dr.Kents’ passing. Dr. Kent was a wonderful pediatricion for my daughter for many years. A kind, patient, and empathetic doctor and a charismatic communicator. Such a huge loss for the medical community. We can only imagine what an incredible father and grandfather that he was. Our sincere condolences to his family; he is very highly regarded in our household.
I was lucky to share an office with Steve for the last 10 years. Always steady, always calm and given the chance, ready to tell a funny story. He brought style and class to our office and was the glue holding us together and keeping us on track. I could predict with 100% accuracy the order of arrival to every meeting, dinner, event or clinic day. Always Steve first. Every single time. When Steve went into hospital I was away and was terrified waiting for updates as I wasn’t ready to live in a world without Steve. With all the chaos and hard things in the world, when he died, I found myself thinking, if I can’t rely on Steve to be ok, what can I rely on? The office feels empty without him and Lise and will never be the same. I will never reach his level of organization, efficiency, caring or calm, but my goodness was he a wonderful example to strive for. I feel so lucky to have had him as a colleague and mentor. I am absolutely devastated for Lise, his family and friends they will not have the next 20+ years I expected them to have together. Love to you all.
Steve – I just returned home from your remembrance gathering. What a tribute to a great man that touched so many lives. The stories, photos and video reminded us of how you were such different things to many and will be remembered in so many ways. My memories are from the Peds ward with Mason and the awesome nursing crew. You came to see Mason at home in his last month and even came to the beach at Cox Bay where we placed his ashes. You put up with lots from Mason including his early morning greeting of “hey Steve what’s shaking”. You were a great listener and respectful enough to give Mason the chair at the head of the table when we were having the zoom transplant call. You were open to listen to him as well as the adults in the room and that gave him some power.
I will never forget you and thank your family for sharing you with us.
Gwamma Patti Faulconbridge
I had the privilege of working with Steve and the Peds CF team. Steve was an exemplary clinician and even better human being. He was the epitome of the compassionate clinician. Dedicated, caring, brilliant, and all with a wonderful sense of humour. As an RT, I would provide spirometry testing for the kids. Steve also provided spirometry in his pediatrician’s office. I remember teasing him one time about his expertise of getting really young kids to do spirometry: “You’re so good, you can get results on kids who are still in utero!!!!!!”
Like all of us, I am shocked at his sudden passing and deeply saddened. I offer my sincerest condolences to all of Steve’s family. He will be deeply missed.
Dr. Kent was our son’s Asthma doctor for 15 years. He also took care of our daughter for the past few years. Our family is saddened by his passing. He’s been a great doctor and very dedicated to his patients. Our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Kent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Cerna Family