It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of internationally known cancer researcher Nicholas Robert Bachur, Sr., MD, PhD, who left us peacefully in Towson, MD on February 15, 2025 at the age of 91.

He was the beloved husband of the late Joan C. Bachur (nee Palacky); devoted father of Nicholas R. Bachur, Jr., and his wife Cynthia, Suzanne Bachur Watkins and her husband Jay and Beth E. Bachur and her husband John; loving grandfather of Andrew, Holly and the late Alex and great-grandfather of Connor and Riley.

Born in Baltimore, his father was from Russia and Dr. Bachur learned to speak and read Russian at an early age beginning his love of reading and learning. Dr. Bachur graduated from Baltimore City College at 16, earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, and graduated with both an MD and PhD from the University of Maryland Medical School.

He left Baltimore for a few years when he accepted a position at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. It was during these years at the NCI when Dr. Bachur became a pioneer in cancer research. Dr. Bachur returned to Baltimore in the 1960's to lead the Baltimore Cancer Research Center, initially part of the NCI, and today is the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.

Dr. Bachur dedicated his professional life to improving the care and treatment of patients with cancer through his drug development research. His world-renowned research focused on preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies designed to improve the development and use of anticancer agents. His work in the laboratory touched many lives. Throughout his career, he collaborated with research teams globally to advance the treatment of cancer.

Dr. Bachur was enormously productive co-authoring more than 170 peer-reviewed articles in top cancer research journals. His published work is cited in over 8000 other publications. Dr. Bachur also holds several patents from his cancer drug development work.

Along with his colleague and once summer student Dr. Merrill Egorin, he started the Schnaper Summer Intern Program at the Greenebaum Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dr. Bachur was a beloved teacher and mentor to countless students. An important legacy of his is shaping the work ethic, love of science, and intellectual curiosity of so many aspiring physicians. Seeing those students succeed and bring additional advances in science into the clinical arena brought him immense pride and left a lasting legacy.

A true renaissance man, with a sharp inquisitive mind, he could seamlessly shift from discussing the latest achievements in cancer research to explaining the finer points of sailing or the art of fishing. On the water he was a seasoned sailor, known for his skill and competitive spirit on the water. His love for racing sailboats was evident in the many victories and regatta trophies he brought home. His beloved sailboat NiSuBe was a personal tribute to his children, as he combined the first two letters of their names—Ni for Nick, Su for Suzanne, and Be for Beth-a thoughtful reminder of the pride and love he felt for each of them. He loved the outdoors where he shared his joy of fishing and hunting with friends and family.

He married the love of his life, Joan Palacky, and together they instilled in their children a love of learning, passion for the outdoors, treasured time together at the beach, and gathering for Maryland steamed crab feasts or ice cream desserts.

Dr. Bachur was a lifelong avid lacrosse fan and always enjoyed belting out the "One Two Three Four, We want more" chant after every goal scored by the Hopkins Blue Jays. He treasured the moments he spent on the sidelines watching his grandchildren play lacrosse and tennis. He rarely missed a game and he took great pride in watching them grow and thrive.

His legacy of love, devotion, passion for discovery and learning, and scientific achievement will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A Funeral Celebration will be held at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road (Beltway Exit 26) on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10am. The internment will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research Institute, and Gilchrist.