Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer has died aged 59, three years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor.
The world-renowned melanoma expert passed away surrounded by his family, leaving behind a profound medical legacy and a final, moving message to the nation.
In an emotional open letter published after his death, Professor Scolyer expressed deep gratitude for the love and support his family has received.
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,” he wrote.
“I haven’t sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all.
“I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
He noted that he was “perhaps lucky” that the late-stage impacts of his cancer likely spared him the awareness of his final decline, comforted by the certainty that his family never left his side.
“Like all families living with cancer, the impacts have been far wider than just on me,” he wrote.
“Since my diagnosis in May 2023, our family has been thrown challenges that we didn’t plan or want.
“But those same challenges have also drawn us closer and reinforced that family is everything.
“I cannot thank my beautiful wife Katie and my adored children Emily, Matthew and Lucy enough for their love, their support, their strength, and their compassion. They are shining examples of the best of humanity and make me extremely proud.”
Ultimately, the trailblazing pathologist said he wanted to be remembered for his down-to-earth Aussie spirit.
“If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack’, and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion and a reminder to pursue life’s passions until the very end.”
