07/06/2026
It is with great sadness that we read about the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer. An absolute legend in the Melanoma field and beyond. Our love goes out to his family, colleagues at the Melanoma Institute Australia and beyond, and all those whose lives have been touched by his greatness.
VALE Richard - may you rest in peace.
My fellow Australians,
I pen this letter as a final goodbye to all those I have had the immense privilege of loving, sharing life’s adventures with, working alongside and meeting during what can only be described as a life filled with happiness, optimism, opportunity and passion.
My intention is for this letter to be published upon my passing - as my final farewell.
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.
To my research and clinical colleagues, I implore you to stay inquisitive and brave and keep striving to break new ground.
To all cancer patients, I encourage you to consider enrolling in research and clinical trials, if on offer.
And to government and the wider community, please keep funding science and medical research. This is the most impactful way that you too can make a difference.
Perhaps the greatest lesson to come from these last three years is that cancer does not define us. It may be the current road we are travelling, but it is not our entire journey.
A terminal cancer diagnosis does however provide clarity as to what truly matters. It shines a spotlight on the importance of relationships, on true friendship and on selflessness.
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.
With much love and gratitude,
Richard
