'Never be forgotten': Tributes pour in for Richard Scolyer

Cancer expert Richard Scolyer remembered as loving family man making a difference to lives of patients Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 11:38am In short: 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. What's next? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Professor Scolyer's wife, Katie Nicholl, has accepted an offer for a state funeral. The 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. "His family meant everything to him and his passing has left a big hole in our lives,"Mr Nicholl said. 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. "His rationale was simple: he wanted to continue to make a difference, and he wanted cancer patients to know they weren't alone." 'Never forgotten' 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." Loading...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. "Our family will continue Richard's advocacy for greater investment in brain cancer research to ensure his legacy saves lives well into the future." 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. State funeral for a 'personal friend' 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. "And one day when a cure is found, Richard's name will be spoken." 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 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." 'An extraordinary Australian' 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. "In the end, life is the ultimate legacy. And thanks to Richard Scolyer, Australians have been given more life, more time, more hope." 'Local hero' 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. "In doing so, he has become a legend, whose story will be handed down from generation to generation." He said the council would create a permanent memorial to honour the legacy of "this unforgettable man".