Richard Scolyer Remembered at State Memorial Service in Sydney

Richard Scolyer, a pioneer of cancer research, has been remembered for his "truly remarkable life" in a state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House.

The former Australian of the Year recipient died aged 59 on June 7 after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Thousands of mourners poured into the city's iconic landmark to farewell Professor Scolyer and pay tribute to his legacy as a world leader in melanoma and brain cancer treatment.

Inside the service, cherished mementos were displayed including his bike and park run shirt to celebrate his love of cycling and running.

Other items included his AO medal and his joint Australian of the Year award placed beside his akubra, as well as a microscope and a tongue-in-cheek shirt with the slogan "Game on Mole" in a nod to his ground-breaking contribution to melanoma science.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were among the dignitaries to lead tributes.

Mr Albanese described Professor Scolyer as a "national treasure", who lived a "truly remarkable life".

'Courageous' patient and scientist

Professor Scolyer's best friend of 40 years, Jim Finlay, said he was one of the lucky few "to have known the unprofessional Richard Scolyer" and him a loyal, fun-loving friend.

Leading melanoma surgeon and researcher John Thompson said it was a time to celebrate his colleague and friend's remarkable achievements.

He also pointed out just how brave it was for Professor Scolyer to take part in a world-first treatment during his brain cancer battle, which involved undergoing immunotherapy before having a brain tumour removed.

"With typical determination and acutely aware of the science involved, Richard courageously volunteered for a very risky form of treatment that had never been tried for brain tumours before, in the hope others benefit from the information obtained.

"He was one of my closest friends and I shall miss him greatly."

There were live performances from Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, as well as from Kate Miller-Heidke who sang The Last Day on Earth accompanied by piano.

'We will love and miss him forever'

Professor Scolyer's wife Katie Nicholl delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on their 24 years together.

She remembered how on their first date, Professor Scolyer showed up to her house unannounced with two bikes and proposed they go on an adventure for the day.

"This is a wonderful metaphor of our life together,"

"We headed out and spent hours together laughing and having so much fun, and we were pretty much inseparable since then."

She credited Professor Scolyer as an amazing father who was "funny and cheeky and mischievous and fun".

"He worked hard and was extremely determined. When he put his mind to something, Rich gave it his all.

"We will love and miss him forever, but when I look at his life and the people he shared it with, it was wonderful."

Children remember inspiring, hands on dad

Professor Scolyer's three children, Matthew, Emily and Lucy, said their dad was incredibly special and he would continue to inspire them every day.

"Our dad was the best dad we could have ever asked for,"

"We're so lucky to call him my dad."

Matthew said their dad was the most kind and generous person they knew.

"Dad was always there for us and never failed to make us smile or laugh,"

To conclude the service, a clip was played of Professor Scolyer and his family as they reflected on his cancer journey and their life together.

As a leading melanoma pathologist, Professor Scolyer chose to publicly document his radical treatment to contribute to cancer research.

He was the first to adopt an approach used in melanoma-based cancer treatment and apply this to his brain cancer.

The risky treatment involved being "patient zero" in receiving immunotherapy before undergoing surgery.

The treatment extended his life for years despite a prognosis of months and he went on to complete 200 park runs and the Tasmanian leg of the 1,400-kilometre Tour de Cure bike ride.

Look back at our live coverage of the service.