Beloved Tofino Pediatrician Steve Kent Dies Suddenly at 72
VICTORIA,B.C. – Dr. Steve Kent, a dedicated pediatrician who became a cherished figure in the Tofino, B.C. community, has died unexpectedly after a run near his home in Victoria. He was 72.kent’s passion for medicine was matched only by his love for the rugged beauty and close-knit spirit of the West Coast, leading him to establish a clinic in Tofino decades ago.
Kent quickly integrated into the fabric of Tofino life, arriving at the local hospital with his leather briefcase, eager to serve his patients. Beyond the clinic, he embraced the area’s adventurous lifestyle, attempting to surf, undertaking lengthy beach runs, and even joining locals for late-night games of pool at the Legion or risk – famously losing to an 80-year-old opponent. He delighted in sharing his adopted home with family and friends, including his wife and, more recently, his three grandchildren, Abby, Luke, and Jaden.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Kent completed the West Coast Trail three times, once with his son Josh at age 11. He ran the Edge to Edge Marathon in Tofino with his daughter chelsea when she was 23, and backcountry kayaked for nearly 30 years, often with friends and family in the Broken Islands. His dedication to his patients extended beyond the clinic walls; a story recounts him diagnosing a child with a severe bronchial condition while camping on Clarke Island, prompting the family to seek immediate medical attention.
Kent’s commitment to pediatrics was formally recognized with a posthumous lifetime achievement award from Vancouver Island Health, and the 2021 Cystic Fibrosis Canada Dr. Douglas Crozier award, acknowledging his dedication to learning about and implementing new therapies for cystic fibrosis. He also contributed to medical education as a teacher with the UBC medical School.
For decades, Kent maintained a weekly Saturday ritual with his friend Brian D.Young: a run, coffee, and reading the Globe and Mail, frequently enough leading to lively discussions – and jokes about launching a podcast with limited appeal.
“North’s ‘why’ was in the room on the day of his celebration of life: his family, his grandchildren, many patients and colleagues, and his dear friends,” wrote Young, who penned this remembrance.
Kent’s life exemplifies a dedication to both profession and passion, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those he touched.
