Richard Scolyer's family says his legacy 'will never be forgotten'

Richard Scolyer's family says his death has "left a big hole" in their lives. (Australian Story: Tom Hancock) Melanoma pathologist Richard Scolyer, who died from brain cancer, is being remembered by his family as a loving man. His brother-in-law read a statement on behalf of the family saying his passing has left a big hole in their lives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Professor Scolyer's wife, Katie Nicholl, has accepted an offer for a state funeral. Link copiedShareShare articleThe family of former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer says his selfless legacy "will never be forgotten", with a state funeral set to be held to honour the expert-turned-patient. Professor Scolyer was known for his revolutionary melanoma cancer treatment, which he then volunteered to test on himself when diagnosed with IDH "wild" type glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He died on Sunday night aged 59, after an almost three-year-long battle. Professor Scolyer's brother-in-law, Charles Nicholl, read out a statement on behalf of the family, revealing he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and three children. Richard Scolyer with his wife Katie and three kids, Emily, Matt and Lucy. (Australian Story: Jack Fisher) Rather than just accepting his terminal prognosis, he said Professor Scolyer applied "the same driven, interrogating, science-based attitude to his own cancer battle". "He continued to communicate, explaining the world-first experimental treatment he had taken on, candidly sharing his own ups and downs with fellow cancer patients and the world," Mr Nicholl said. "He challenged conventions, pursued funding, and for three years whilst suffering through illness and impacts of his treatment, he rose daily without complaint and committed passionately to this cause. Professor Scolyer sits with his wife, Katie Nicholl, following surgery. (Supplied: @ProfRAScolyer) Mr Nicholl said Professor Scolyer's gentleness and love of family would be remembered most fondly. "Richard was a great mentor to his children. All share his and Katie's [his wife] thirst for knowledge and energy for life," he said. "They were and remain Richard's biggest champions as he forged a new path following his brain cancer diagnosis to help other patients who would follow." He said, although he would be missed, he would "never be forgotten". "He will live on through his published work in melanoma, his impact on brain cancer treatment, his honest and raw media interviews and social posts which lifted the veil of secrecy around cancer, and through his traits that he's passed on to his family," Mr Nicholl said. Passionate about people and the power of medical research, Richard Scolyer leaves behind a legacy of pioneering cancer treatment. He thanked Australians for their love and support, and encouraged people to donate to brain cancer research. "It is now time for us to come together privately as a family to support each other as we grieve and share our wonderful memories of a remarkable person," he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia had "lost one of our brightest lights and one of our biggest hearts". "Professor Scolyer walked his 'uncertain path', as he called it, with courage, determination, and grace, and his legacy will always be with us," Mr Albanese said. He said the professor had once been his neighbour for many years in Camperdown in Sydney's inner west, and was a "personal friend". The prime minister said Professor Scolyer stayed true to himself. (ABC News: Matt Roberts) "The hearts of all Australians go out to his wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, who I spoke with this morning and offered a state funeral for Professor Scolyer, which has been accepted," he said. "It also goes to their children, who are loved so dearly: Emily, Matthew, and Lucy, Richard's mother and father in Tasmania and brother Mark." Governor-General Sam Mostyn said Professor Scoyler's legacy was "simply astonishing". She said he was tenacious in the face of his condition and was determined to think of medical solutions for others who experienced similar illnesses. "I know he described himself as an ordinary Australian, but I think he was an extraordinary Australian throughout his life," Ms Mostyn said. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said in a statement Professor Scolyer was a "pioneering scientist" who was "an inspiring example of grace in his final years". "He faced his disease with optimism, with a smile, and with a deep sense of purpose," he said. The professor thanked Australians for their support in his open letter. (AAP: Mick Tsikas) In 2025, Professor Scolyer was awarded Inner West Citizen of the Year for his work. Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne said in a statement the area had "lost a local hero" whose "brave and tender spirit" would be missed. "Through his work and his example, Richard gave our people hope that we can keep walking forward through adversity," Cr Byrne said. He said the co

Richard Scolyer's family says his legacy 'will never be forgotten'

Key takeaways

Also covered by

Richard Scolyer's family says his legacy 'will never be forgotten'

Key takeaways

Also covered by

More in international