Obituary of Robert Royds, M.B., B.S.

Robert B. Royds, M.B., B.S., M.R.C.P. On Saturday, March 23, 2013, Robert Bruce Royds, aged 68 of Plainsboro, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by his loving family. Born October 3, 1944 in Harrogate, Yorkshire, he was the son of Dr. John Edmund Royds, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, deceased, and Ailsa Dorothea Elizabeth (Williams) Royds. Dr. Royds was the Founder, Medical Director and Chairman of the Board for Theradex®, an internationally renowned contract research organization. He directed the scientific affairs of the company, drawing over 30 years of domestic and international experience both as an investigator and administrator in clinical research and development. As a life-long researcher, he was committed to the innovation and development of novel drugs, therapies and medical devices in the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Not only did he work to save lives, but he also built relationships that led to lasting friendships among his colleagues and peers. Dr. Royds graduated from Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland and earned his medical degree in 1967 from the University of London at age 23. A member of the Royal College of Physicians since 1970, he trained as a research fellow in clinical pharmacology at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London from 1970-1972, followed by service as the Chief Assistant to the Professor of Medicine and Senior Registrar of the Medical Professorial Unit from 1972-1974. In 1974, he moved to the United States to expand his expertise in clinical study design, management, monitoring, regulatory affairs, and product development as an executive with Merck, Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories in Rahway, New Jersey. From 1976-1978, he served as a Senior Research Physician for Hoffman-La Roche, Inc. in Nutley, New Jersey. Since 1979, Dr. Royds served as a consultant in clinical research and development to both government and industry, with an intense focus on the development of new cancer therapeutics. In 1982, his extensive knowledge and leadership in cancer research led him to open Theradex®, an international clinical research organization, in Princeton, New Jersey. Dr. Royds was awarded the position of Principal Investigator for the Clinical Trials Monitoring Service (CTMS) for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a position he held until he resigned in October 2012. Dr. Royds held numerous professional memberships, including the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and the American Society for Microbiology. He also served as a sustaining member of the American Association for Cancer Research and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. Dr. Royds was married to his devoted wife, Marilyn, for 36 years. He was the proud father of two daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie. An extensive traveler for both business and leisure, Dr. Royds earned his private pilot's license in 1977. In his spare time, he enjoyed making furniture and was a talented chef. He carried an enduring love of books and music throughout his life, as well as a great love for his family and overall zest for life. Dr. Royds is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, two daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, son-in-law Adam and mother Ailsa. A funeral service is planned for ten o'clock,Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Queenship of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 16 Dey Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Abramson Cancer Center at Hospital of University of Pennsylvania or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements have been made by The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home of Princeton, New Jersey (609) 924-0242.