Tributes to a innovator who was responsible for pioneering cancer drugs have been flooding in from top scientists across the globe.
Professor Barry Furr, of Fence Avenue, Macclesfield, died at his home aged 71. The grandfather of five, who was chief scientist at AstraZeneca, developed drugs to treat breast and prostate cancer.
Former colleagues have joined tributes to him in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the scientific world.
Professor Mitch Dowsett, from the Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, said: “The legacy of his work will live many decades with literally hundreds of thousands of cancer patients having their lives saved or unrecognisably improved by his drugs.”
Dr Bob Milsted, senior partner at Transcrip Partners, said: “His achievements for breast and prostate cancer patients have been tremendous.
“His OBE doesn’t begin to do justice to his contribution.”
Dr Helen Munn executive director at The Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Professor Furr was a valued and energetic Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and we have been extremely proud to count him amongst our Fellowship. We have only a very few scientists from industry in our elected Fellowship (Professor Furr always campaigned for more!) but it serves to highlight his rare distinction and exceptional contribution to research. He was instrumental in establishing the Academy’s Forum with Industry, which even now is unique in bringing together the academic, industry and healthcare sectors.”
Sir Alex Markham Professor of Medicine, University of Leeds, described him as ‘a brilliant scientist’ who has made a difference to milllions of lives. He said: “There are very, very few individuals who can claim to have been instrumental in producing even one new medicine that has transformed the treatment of cancer. Barry was the driving force behind at least six of them. A remarkable achievement and one that is unlikely ever to be repeated.”
Dr Tajore S Balganesh, a retired colleague from AstraZeneca in India, said: “He was to me not only an accomplished scientist and a mentor but somebody who supported me through so many walks of life; I owe him a lot.”
Dr Ken Duncan, of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said: “I will miss his insight, straight talk, and most of all his good humour. He was a wonderful person to be around.
Dr Alan Barge, Chief Medical Officer at ASLAN Pharmaceuticals and formerly Head of Oncology and Infection at AstraZeneca said: “Barry was an inspirational leader, intellect and wonderfully warm human being. His contribution to science and medicine is immeasurable. Above all, he had great humanity and humility. I feel privileged to have known him.”
Barry’s funeral is at St Michael’s Church on Thursday, March 12, 1pm followed by a committal at Macclesfield Crematorium for family.
AstraZeneca has opened a Book of Remembrance so colleagues can share memories and will fly flags at half mast on the day.
