Richard Scolyer gave his daughter Emily love to last a lifetime

Richard Scolyer made ordinary moments feel special for his daughter, Emily. He taught her to swim and ride a bike, took her to early-morning training sessions and attended her ballet concerts, swimming carnivals, athletics events and cross-country races.

Despite a demanding career as a pathologist, Emily says her father remained present for his family. Even during the difficult teenage years, he showed up, told her he was proud of her and cheered her on when she stumbled. Sitting together in silence could feel just as meaningful as any activity.

Scolyer had his first seizure while hiking in Poland in 2023 with his wife and friends. The seizure led doctors to discover his brain tumour earlier than they might otherwise have done. When he called Emily and her siblings from hospital to tell them he had glioblastoma, she heard him sound defeated for the first time.

She says the diagnosis was devastating, but that her father turned it into something positive. He continued to smile, pursue the things he loved and act as a source of light for people facing similar journeys. Emily hopes to carry forward his love of family, nature and human connection, while her family honours his memory on Father's Day.