/1934-2017 INVENTOR OF LIFESCAN ONE TOUCH BLOOD GLUCOSE METER Roger C. Phillips, PhD, the inventor of the LIFESCAN "ONE TOUCH" blood glucose meter for diabetics (and diabetic test strips) passed away quietly in his North Shore Haleiwa home on Saturday, August 26, after a battle with bone and lung cancer. He was 83 years old. The "ONE TOUCH" meter shows when your blood sugar numbers are in or out of range, and he received national recognition for his development of this device.' According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects over 371 million people worldwide. Philips invention of the ONE TOUCH has helped to save millions of lives internationally. Roger Phillips was "A hidden treasure" who lived the life of a recluse on the North Shore. Hanai family friend and Power of Attorney Jessica Lani Rich said, "Roger was a brilliant man, with a sharp wit, who made a major contribution to the world by helping diabetics. Roger was a famous man, but he lived a private life. Hawaii is so lucky to have someone with an international reputation who lived in our state. Phillips was born in Worcester, MA with five siblings and grew up attending public schools where he excelled academically. Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, following which he studied for a time with the Jesuit Order. He was the Vice-President of Research for LIFESCAN. This system was the basis of purchase for Johnson & Johnson. Roger retired to Hawaii in 2000 where he spent many pleasant years and volunteered for the American Cancer Society in driving people to medical appointments. Roger leaves a son Matthew and his wife Natalie; four grandchildren: Andrea Phillips Costa, Matthew Jr., Noah, Michael, and a great grandson, Elijah Acosta of California. Roger also leaves a sister, Geraldine Phillips Krupika and a brother, Thomas M. Phillips, as well as several nieces and nephews, all residing in Massachusetts. Roger's Hanai family in Hawaii includes: Jessica Lani Rich and her husband Richard Texier; Butch, Bobby, and Kanai Helemano; Judi Petersen; and Jerol Hanson. The family is very grateful to Lou Marcelo, owner of Lou's Home Care; Sylvia Ganaban; and the dedicated male nurses Richard Barrette, Maximo Tadeo, Romel Cruz, and Jeffrecito Bulan for making the last days of Roger's life comfortable; they were outstanding. We would also like to thank the caring team of Bristol Hospice: Miriam Jose and Crystal Miller, Roger's Nurses; Jared Lee, LSW, Chaplain Erin Nielson, Mae Shea, and Chaplain Larry Taao. Roger will be missed by those who knew him for his quick wit, his generosity, and his empathy for others. Celebration of Life Services will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary on Friday, September 15, with Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Service at 10:00 a.m., and Burial at 12:30 p.m. at Valley of the Temples.
/1934-2017 INVENTOR OF LIFESCAN ONE TOUCH BLOOD GLUCOSE METER Roger C. Phillips, PhD, the inventor of the LIFESCAN "ONE TOUCH" blood glucose meter for diabetics (and diabetic test strips) passed away quietly in his North Shore Haleiwa home on Saturday, August 26, after a battle with bone and lung cancer. He was 83 years old. The "ONE TOUCH" meter shows when your blood sugar numbers are in or out of range, and he received national recognition for his development of this device.' According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes affects over 371 million people worldwide. Philips invention of the ONE TOUCH has helped to save millions of lives internationally. Roger Phillips was "A hidden treasure" who lived the life of a recluse on the North Shore. Hanai family friend and Power of Attorney Jessica Lani Rich said, "Roger was a brilliant man, with a sharp wit, who made a major contribution to the world by helping diabetics. Roger was a famous man, but he lived a private life. Hawaii is so lucky to have someone with an international reputation who lived in our state. Phillips was born in Worcester, MA with five siblings and grew up attending public schools where he excelled academically. Dr. Phillips earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, following which he studied for a time with the Jesuit Order. He was the Vice-President of Research for LIFESCAN. This system was the basis of purchase for Johnson & Johnson. Roger retired to Hawaii in 2000 where he spent many pleasant years and volunteered for the American Cancer Society in driving people to medical appointments. Roger leaves a son Matthew and his wife Natalie; four grandchildren: Andrea Phillips Costa, Matthew Jr., Noah, Michael, and a great grandson, Elijah Acosta of California. Roger also leaves a sister, Geraldine Phillips Krupika and a brother, Thomas M. Phillips, as well as several nieces and nephews, all residing in Massachusetts. Roger's Hanai family in Hawaii includes: Jessica Lani Rich and her husband Richard Texier; Butch, Bobby, and Kanai Helemano; Judi Petersen; and Jerol Hanson. The family is very grateful to Lou Marcelo, owner of Lou's Home Care; Sylvia Ganaban; and the dedicated male nurses Richard Barrette, Maximo Tadeo, Romel Cruz, and Jeffrecito Bulan for making the last days of Roger's life comfortable; they were outstanding. We would also like to thank the caring team of Bristol Hospice: Miriam Jose and Crystal Miller, Roger's Nurses; Jared Lee, LSW, Chaplain Erin Nielson, Mae Shea, and Chaplain Larry Taao. Roger will be missed by those who knew him for his quick wit, his generosity, and his empathy for others. Celebration of Life Services will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary on Friday, September 15, with Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Service at 10:00 a.m., and Burial at 12:30 p.m. at Valley of the Temples.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
