Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer's Last Message

By Shannon Corvo

Topic: Cancer

Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:14 am

Richard Scolyer died on Sunday at 59 years old.

He wrote a letter to all Australians before he died.

He was a famous pathologist and melanoma researcher with brain cancer.

He lived for almost two years after his diagnosis with a new treatment.

In March 2025, his cancer came back.

He died on Sunday at 59 years old.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

Here is his letter:

My fellow Australians,

I am writing to say goodbye to everyone I love and have met.

I want this letter to be published when I die.

I have been open about my brain cancer for the last three years.

I wanted to help others by sharing my story and giving hope.

I dedicated my life to helping patients and researching cancer.

Professor Scolyer is with his family.

He is proud of his work in melanoma and brain cancer research.

He hopes his work will help others in the future.

He was lucky not to feel the worst of his cancer at the end.

His family was with him the whole time.

His family was affected by his cancer, but they are strong.

He thanks his wife and children for their love and support.

He also thanks his friends and family for their help.

The former Australian of the Year has died.

He had a happy childhood and was always curious.

He is proud of his work in melanoma research and treatment.

He helped start a big melanoma biobank and wrote many research papers.

He is proud to have led many international organizations.

He helped develop new melanoma treatments and mentored young doctors.

The professor is remembered as a brave man.

He always tried to make the world a better place.

He helped with brain cancer research and took part in medical tests.

He was honored when a brain cancer research chair was named after him.

He is happy that brain cancer research will continue.

Professor Scolyer was open about his brain cancer.

He tells his colleagues to keep working hard and being brave.

He encourages cancer patients to join research and trials.

He asks the government and community to fund medical research.

Cancer does not define who we are.

It is just part of our journey, and it helps us see what is important.

It shows us the value of relationships, friendship, and kindness.

He finished his 250th Parkrun last year.

He believes that Australians will continue to be kind and supportive.

He thanks everyone for their love and support.

He met many people during his travels and online.

He thanks them for listening to his story and supporting him.

He hopes he made the road easier for others.

He wants to be remembered as a proud Australian who inspired others.

With love and thanks,

Richard

Professor Scolyer was proud of his cancer research work.

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