‘I’ll remember his laugh’: Heartbreaking reason parents won’t open son Phillip Rogers Jnr’s parcels

Unopened packages by the door of this Port Lincoln family’s home are a cruel reminder of a life taken far too soon.

Phillip Rogers and Rebecca Haereroa-Rogers continue to receive packages addressed to their teenage son Phillip Rogers Jnr.

Only, Phillip Jnr lost his five year battle with cancer weeks ago, on June 6.

“We haven’t opened them,” Mr Rogers told The Advertiser.

Ms Haereroa-Rogers said her son “would’ve been looking forward to opening them”.

The fashion-obsessed 18-year-old ordered clothes and accessories online until his final moment and the packages continue to arrive at the Port Lincoln family home.

Phillip Jnr lost his life only 23 days before what would’ve been his 19th birthday.

“I think the (packages) would’ve been for his birthday,” Ms Haereroa-Rogers said.

Phillip Jnr had plans to celebrate his birthday with his girlfriend and family.

Phillip Rogers Jnr lost his life after a battle with bone cancer. Picture: Supplied by family

Phillip Jnr’s cancer relapsed in April this year and spread to his lung. Picture: Supplied by family

Diagnosed in 2019, Phillip Jnr battled osteosarcoma which relapsed in April this year and spread to his lung.

“He tolerated a lot and it took a lot to get him angry, he was mostly passive and peaceful,” his mum Ms Haereroa-Rogers said.

The last words Phillip Jnr uttered to his mum were “thank you mum” before he became to tired to speak in his final two days of life.

“I love you dad” — were his final words to his dad, who he was named after.

“I’ll remember his laugh, him dancing with his prosthetic leg,” Ms Haereroa-Rogers said.

Ms Haereroa-Rogers said every single night since her son was diagnosed with bone cancer she kissed him goodnight, no matter what.

Phillip Jnr loved playing games. Picture: Supplied by family

He loved his friends, his girlfriend, Taylah Cresswell, who he met 11 months ago and gaming.

“For his Make-A-Wish he asked for a PC for games,” Mr Rogers said.

They described their son as “quiet and reserved”.

Phillip Rogers Jnr was born on June 29, 2006. He died on June 6, 2025. He was 18 years old.

He is survived by his parents, mother Rebecca Haereroa-Rogers, father Phillip Rogers, sister Manasseh Haereroa-Rogers, brother Anaru Haereroa-Rogers and girlfriend Taylah Cresswell.

If you’d like to donate to Phillip Jnr’s family, you can here.

Originally published as ‘I’ll remember his laugh’: Heartbreaking reason parents won’t open son Phillip Rogers Jnr’s parcels