Posted on February 17, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Dutch Harbor Mourns Capt. Phil
The following article is by ROSE COX of The Dutch Harbor Fisherman ([email protected])
To fans of the “Deadliest Catch,” he was captain Phil Harris, the famous crab-killing rider of the wild Bering Sea.
But to those living at the tip of the Aleutian chain, he was just plain Phil, one of the most endearing, demanding – and sometimes downright irritating – men Dutch Harbor ever loved.
Harris, 53, suffered a stroke Jan. 29 while the fishing boat he captained, the Cornelia Marie, was in port at St. Paul Island near Dutch Harbor. He was medevacked to Anchorage and appeared to be on the mend Feb. 3, according to reports on the “Deadliest Catch” Web site.
He died Feb. 9, spurring thousands of online comments from fans of the Discovery Channel show that depicts the crab fishing industry in the dangerous waters off Alaska.
News spread quickly between fishermen, the docks, bars and businesses of Dutch Harbor and Unalaska.
“God bless him, he lived life to the extreme,” said Walt Dauderis.
He and Harris go way back. They worked together two decades ago on the Sea Ern, and before that in rubber boots and rain gear on the decks of the Alaska Monarch. More recently, Dauderis spent a few seasons as engineer and cook on the Cornelia Marie.
“People who tried to be like him, you’d watch them fail by his side. No one could keep up with him.”
Dauderis gave up crabbing for a job with the Alaska Marine Highway System, but he and Harris are practically neighbors in Lake Stevens, Wash., where they rode motorcycles together and yukked it up over fishing, Harleys and life in general.
Dauderis has lots of stories. But none of them are printable.
“I’m going to miss him. I just painted a motorcycle and was going to go by his house to show it to him and he was going to give me a bunch of s— because it wasn’t macho enough.”
Their pain is so new that people in Dutch Harbor talk about Harris in the present tense, like he’s about to walk through the door any minute amid a cloud of cigarette smoke and colorful language.
He was “friendly,” “honest,” “strong,” “hardworking” “caring.” He was the kind of guy who took “Deadliest Catch” T-shirts to sick children in the hospital.
“He was a one-of-a-kind person,” said Al Mendoza, fleet manager for Unisea, where the Cornelia Marie landed millions of pounds of crab over the years. “I don’t think he had an enemy over the years I knew him. Not one enemy, ever.”
All say he loved his sons, Josh and Jake Harris, more than life itself.
Then they tell how he used to joke about why lions eat their cubs. The words “brash,” “macho,” “loud” and “impatient” pop up. By all accounts, he could be a pain in the patoot, but that doesn’t mean they loved him less.
“We’re devastated,” said Veda Webb. And in the next breath, “I can’t count the times I told him to get out and never come back.”
When Webb started her business, Unalaska Advertiser, a few years back, Harris stopped in to welcome her, then made sure the other fishermen gave her their business.
The first week in February, she was working on getting Harris a mini computer for Internet and e-mail onboard the boat. She had a couple on order, but they got stalled in the mail.
“He’d hound me if he wanted something until he got it. He called me every night, ‘Are they here? Are they here?’ ”
His last call was the night before he left for St. Paul Island. The computers were in.
“He said, ‘Well, try to get me a Gateway with Windows 7, for when I get back.’ ”
Typical Harris behavior.
When he wanted something done, yesterday was too late, said Don Knoblauch, superintendent for Magone Marine Services, the shop that fixed the Cornelia Marie for the past eight years.
“Extremely pushy, boisterous expedience, that’s how he was,” Knoblauch said. “If he was off the boat and not pressured by the fishing, he was a pretty decent guy. I’d see him in the bar and he seemed like a relatively normal person.”
Crabbers tend to get into town, gear up, go fishing, unload and repeat until the season is over. But there’s always time to visit the bar, and Harris made all the stops over the years.
The first time bartender Danielle Williams met Harris, she served him his signature drink – a double duck fart.
“He and his two sons, one had just turned 21, and a crew member came in. His crew guy and he got into an argument, and his crew guy knocked him into the corner of the bar.”
She was about to boot them all out, but they started laughing.
“They got over it really fast. They ended up closing the bar.”
Lionel Silva, chief engineer on the pollock catcher Morning Star, said Harris’ death is a blow to the crabbing industry as well as a personal loss for him.
“He was a terrific captain, and one of the most outstanding people I know.”
There was far more to Harris than “Deadliest Catch” fame, Silva said.
“I understand he was on the show and stuff, but they’re all going to go away. When everybody forgets about ‘Deadliest Catch,’ we’re still going to be remembering Phil and everything about him.”
Rose Cox can be reached at [email protected], or by phone at (907) 348-2419
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February 21, 2010
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Phil said:
R.I.P Captain Phil.. You will be missed..
Phil New Orleans
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February 21, 2010
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Dave said:
Fish is Peace Capt. Phil. The boat and crew will never be the same without you.
and neither will the show. I hope your sons take over the boat and make you proud. May God be with you and your family. Dave
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February 21, 2010
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Kendall Leith said:
Peace be with you, your sons and crew. The show won’t be the same without you, neither will the world. You were a tough man, a gentle man, an awesome man. I always enjoyed watching you on tv, and hoped someday to meet you at one of those conventions they have. I’ll be thinking about you, though.
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February 21, 2010
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Denise said:
To all the fans who have watched Captian Phil. We are gonna mill a family friend. To the Boat Cornelia Marie. The Northwestern, Time Bandit, and the Wizard, we are all sorry for the loss of your buddy/friend/family. It must be hard on you to be out there trying to work yet think about Capt. Phil. He’s still here in spirit, watching over all of you. If your ever wondering if he’s around. Just search for his Crab Farts. He’s wont be far behind. God less you all. Take care.
We love all you you… Denise
To Jake Anderson I hope the search for you father keeps going. Your family has also suffered enough. Dont give up on it yet.
You guys will never be forgoten. Thanks for bringing your lives into ours. I met Capt. Phil last October. I had bought his lunch. Least I could do for entertaining our family for several years. To our suprise he came and sat with us for over an hour. Not talking about work but kids and life in general. My 13 year old daughter said. Mom it felt like we have known Capt Pnil all our lives. Kinda like an uncle or father figure. He also said he thought it was amazing that My daughter and myself watch the show, and neither one of us like any kind of fish/seafood. We talked about cars. Capt. looked at mine and said I would never let my vet get that dirty. Then laughed. I went home and washed it then drove back and put my hand on the horn and Weeeeeeeeee Heeeeeeee’d thru the parking lot. And Phil smiled and wave back.
We’re all gonna miss the Capt.
Rest in peace Capt. Denise
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February 21, 2010
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John T said:
You were a real man Captain Phil! The best rest in peace pal…
my condolences to the family and crew
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February 22, 2010
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ReneeH said:
There is no way I could forget Captain Phil. It will be hard to watch the show this season and not see that gruff, crusty guy, cussing the crew, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth! God Bless Phil and may all your pots be full in the hereafter…
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February 22, 2010
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Donna said:
to say I am so sad would be an understatement — my best to Phils son’s his friends and all of us who know him via the crab boat — Phil you are and will be missed — safe passage
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February 22, 2010
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Cathy said:
GOD needed a fisherman!!!!
The Cornelia Marie has and Angel watchin over
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February 22, 2010
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LDParker said:
GOD BLESS THE HARRIS FAMILY
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
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February 22, 2010
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Craig said:
R.I.P Phil Safe Passage Mate.
Thoughts are with all the Bearing sea Catp’s.
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February 23, 2010
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Tracy said:
R.I.P Captain Phil. You will be sadly missed, but never fogotten.
Tracy Gulfport, MS
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February 23, 2010
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Laverne Swanson said:
I see that Capt. Phil was loved by many, myself and my family included. It’s never easy to lose a parent but Josh and Jake are too young. I know they have people and loved ones all around them to help them through this rough sea. I know the boys will go on with their dad in their hearts and mind…and they will be okay. But I want you guys to know that you’re in my prayers and thoughts daily. Keep the faith. Acceptance gets a little easier to swallow in time. But it will never make sense. It was easy to see that your dad loved you both and was and is very proud of you. ~Love and Light~
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February 25, 2010
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Eric said:
You will always be remembered. My heart goes out to josh and jake and the entire family. rest in peace mr capt phil harris.
Hamilton, Ontario Canada
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February 27, 2010
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Gary of Wisconsin said:
I was devastated at the news of Capt Phil’s passing. I knew that his gruff exterior was only there to suit his responsibilities as a leader and Captain. I remember the show in which one of the son’s charged a tv for his rack on the boat and Capt Phil’s counselling his sons on other shows…The sensitivity came through. I will miss Capt Phil, may he Rest in Peace and, hopefully, his sons will be able to Phil continue on in the show and try to emulate their father and his greatness. Deepest sympathies to the Harris’.
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March 4, 2010
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mike philpott said:
capt phil was a kind and gentle man who was very good @ what he did, may god bless you and your family
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March 4, 2010
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Ct. Bill said:
“Captain My Captain” Just found out the sad news on the grocery store tabloid. You keep me enterainted for many hrs. May you always sail in calm seas.
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March 6, 2010
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donald said:
we will loved phil forever
donald from antwerp belgium
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March 6, 2010
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Baz Garlick said:
R.I.P Capt Phil, pulling crabs for the big man upstairs, will be missed!!
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March 12, 2010
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Matt Smyth said:
Rest in peace Captain Phil, you were a legend in your own lifetime! Sincerest condolences to Josh Jake + all the Harris clan. Matt, Ireland
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March 15, 2010
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Jerry O said:
Rest In Peace Capt. Phil
My deepest condolences to the family and fellow fishermen
Jerry, Curacao Netherlands Antilles
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March 20, 2010
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jody herrington said:
YOU WILL BE MISSED CAPT: PHIL ” GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..
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March 21, 2010
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carl & christie said:
our thoughts and prayers are with you josh & jake and your family. we enjoyed watching capt phil . he was a straight up guy , and in our opinion he WAS the show! rip capt PHIL and josh and jake …. make your daddy proud in what ever you choose to do in life!
carl and christie
anniston,alabama
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March 24, 2010
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ARTURO HERNÁNDEZ PADILLA said:
MUY TRISTE NOTICIA: QUIERO DESEARLE A TODOS SUS AMIGOS, Y FAMILIARES, SU PRONTA RESIGNACIO. PHIL FUE UN BUEN HOMBRE TRABAJADOR, EJEMPLO PARA SUS HIJOS Y FAMILIA.
DESDE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO, MANDO MIS MAS SENTIDAS CONDOLENCIAS.
(I WAS A LOCAL IN CORDOVA ALASKA, FROM 1980-1990.)
GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
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March 28, 2010
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arlie said:
deepest sympathy from the ms. coast and the gulf of mexico. we are very aware of what ya’ll do. awesome. phil was so much like some of my friends. jake and josh, fish or dont. god bless and good luck.
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March 31, 2010
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Debbie Danielson said:
I am a US Notice to Mariners writer for Alaska(CG17) and have enjoyed watching Capt. Phil and the gang over the years. A picture of the “Cornelia Marie” will grace our NtM No.14(3 April 2010) in honor of Capt. Phil…. Capt. you will truly be missed!!! God Bless!!!
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April 1, 2010
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Ludo Oerlemans said:
Hi,
I just found out about the death of Capt. Phil.
I’ve like to pay my respect to the family.
I’ve just lost my father on feb. 15. (my mother 5 months earlier)
Seeing the deadliest catch specialy the Cornelia Marie, how much respect he had from his sons, lets me think how much respect I had (and still have) for my parents. For what I could see on television Capt. Phil was an alright guy. I feel with the family and his friends.
They only want the good ones :(
Regards from Belgium
Ludo
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April 1, 2010
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Becky said:
I am have been heart broken since learning of Capt. Phils death. I loved watching him on tv because he reminded me so much of my own father who I lost in 2001. They were so much alike. My father comercial fished in Florida for several years and going out with him, was some of my funnest times with him. When I discovered Deadliest Catch 2 years ago I was drawn straight to Phil. He will be so sadly missed by me. Josh and Jake, just keep the good times with you always. He kind of brought back good memories of my dad, for me R.I.P.
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April 7, 2010
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Scott McLachlan said:
To Jake and Josh and the rest of the Harris Family, prayers go out from my family here in NJ to both you and your family. Your Dad was “one of a kind” a true man, a fearless man, a personal and caring man who’s number one passion in life was to fish. How wonderful it must have been to live a fullfilling life as he did. My 6 year old son and I watched every episode religiously. At 4yrs he new the entire theme song and would sing it day and night. He new your Dad’s name and the boat name and the Cornelia Maria with Capt Phil was absolutely his favorite. I hope you two continue to fish in your fathers name, and we are soooo looking forward to the new season and seeing your Pop fish one more time. Be strong, Be safe and may the crab gods follow you through 2010!
R.I.P Capt Phil Harris!
Scott McLachlan and family
Sussex County, NJ
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April 15, 2010
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jenny gordon said:
My deepest condolences to the family and fellow fishermen.
RIP capt Phil Harris xxx
the Gordon family, scotland.
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April 17, 2010
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Kyle C. said:
When I was 26 years old I bought and Owner/Operated my own 18wheeler successfully, after only 6mo experience in the industry. I just wanted to encourage Jake and Josh at this time of transition and express my confidence in them.Jake and Josh are intelligent, good hearted young men with strong work ethics. I fully expect the Cornelia Marie to prosper with the continued efforts of these fine young men and wish them Godspeed.
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April 21, 2010
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mark said:
sad news only found out last night,my thoughts are with phil’s family,he was one of the best,he will be missed by all,josh and jake will do their dad proud by carrying on……R.I.P…capt phil..
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April 21, 2010
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Dustin Wright said:
Safe journey Capt. Phil.
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April 23, 2010
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christopher grimes said:
R.I.P rest in peace Capt Phil
You Will Be Sadly Missed
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April 23, 2010
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nial clarke said:
Phil, you still are the man!
Jake & Josh and all other family & friends, hope your keeping the good side out.
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April 25, 2010
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phil said:
Only just heard thru Dicovery channel about Phil, what a tragedy he was a brilliant guy, probably my favourite of the lot. Rest in peace Phil
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April 25, 2010
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Bob & Kathy said:
When Capt Phil passed away, we both felt we had lost a personal friend. We were both fans of the show and had watched it for a few years.
Our condolences to his family, and hopefully his sons will take the Cornelia Marie back into the Behring Sea to carry on for their Dad.
He will be fondly remembered.
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April 26, 2010
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Jen said:
Jake and Josh and all the rest: I admired Phil and looked forward to the glimpses in to his adventurous life…I always had a sense that he was one of God’s unique “greats”. My sincerest condolences…carry on with his spirit in your hearts.
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April 28, 2010
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Mike K. said:
Fair winds and following seas Phil.
My sincere condolences to the Harris family.
Though I never got the chance to meet Phil, it was obvious from watching the show that he was an extraordinary man, particularly in this “modern” world. His love of his work and his indomitable spirit were impossible to miss.
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May 7, 2010
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Phyllis Nash said:
I am broken hearted about Phil
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May 9, 2010
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David Hughes said:
You will be missed . You made friends you never new you had ! The legacy is greatly respected ! STEEM ON CAPT !
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May 10, 2010
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Art Brown Sr. said:
The wife just informed me of Capt. Harris’ death and as a former hand on a floating processor I watched a lot of Deadliest Catch with the memories of what it was like. He was appreciated by me as a get out there and get it done kind of guy. He will be missed by many of us that don’t know him personally and so his family and friends must have a great loss, My family’s condolences to all of the Harris family, the crew of the boat, and other family friends.
Art Brown Sr. Anchorage AK
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May 10, 2010
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derrick said:
i was just told about Capt. Phil’s death. i loved watching the show and watching him and his sons goof around when there was a lull in fishing. he was a “colorful” captain. he was by far my favorite. the cornelia marie was my fav boat. Capt. Phil you are gone but not forgotten. RIP Capt Phil
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May 10, 2010
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Jeff Miller said:
Force of personality. It’s why Deadliest Catch was Capt. Phil’s show. Force of personality. Larger than life yet a beacon pointing to what a good, full life can be. His strength and indomitable spirit were a lesson to us all. Complex and richly drawn as a man, as a father, as a friend. All these Captains were strong men. But Phil was different. Your attention pricked up when he was on screen. He was the real deal. Force of personality. RIP Phil Harris. First a man, then a father, then a friend. Only then a Captain. My heart goes out to your family and friends, and to the friends you made around the world.
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May 22, 2010
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Jack Hombergh said:
Over here in Holland (Netherlands) we are running behind in the series. I am (as a coachdriver) also away from home for some period of time. That is why I only just found out about this big tradegy. Bye Phil. Rest in peace. Now you can sail all oceans of the universe. My thoughts are with his family. They are the true victims of this loss.
We in Holland have a special song for all fishermen…wherever they may be…I will be thinking especially of Phil next time I listen to it…(Sailing Home by Piet Veerman).
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June 1, 2010
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Virginia Hogeback said:
It’s June 1st and I just found this out today. I was heartbroken. I can’t imagine Deadliest Catch missing one of its essential ingredients! The Bering Sea just became much lonelier. God bless the family, crew, and friends the gruff old man leaves in remembrance! Peaceful sailing Capt. Phil!
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June 16, 2010
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Barb said:
Peace and blessings to Phil’s son’s, I am sure they will make him proud.
We will really miss you not being on the show, we have watched you since it started, it won’t be the same without you. We will continue watching the show as we do get involved in the lives of all on it and will really miss you.
Barb & Bil
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June 16, 2010
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Byron said:
I am sadden for the sudden tragedy of my favorite capt Phil, I love you man and I hope you are in a better place, thank you for all the pleasent moments you gave me while I watch your show, you where a good father and I will allways remember you, Jake and Josh Harris make your father proud by keeping the family tradition.
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June 16, 2010
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Michelle said:
I have been hooked on Deadliest Catch since the first time I saw it about a year ago. While all my friends were watching “Desperate Housewives” I waited in anticipation for the next show. My favorites were Captain Phil of the Cornelia Marie and Captain Sig of the Northwestern. Captain Phil was the man I would have chosen to crew with. He always seemed to take care of and respect his crew and most certainly his kids. I only learned about his death tonight after catching a few recorded minutes of “After the Catch”. I was so deeply saddened to hear the news. I remember thinking that it was almost like losing a family member. God Bless and God Speed to Captain Phil and sincerest sympathy go out to the family…
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June 16, 2010
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Michelle said:
Just devastated and can’t believe I didn’t hear this sooner. I have watched Deadliest Catch since it’s inception and LOVE love love Captain Phil and his crew mates…my teenage son and I watch together; I always felt it was bonding time for Phil and his sons AND for my son and I. If we, the fans, feel this way about Captain Phil, I can’t imagine how his close friends and family, especially Jake and Josh, have been feeling. ALL the sympathy in the world to you …the world has lost a wonderful man. Take care of yourselves and know that so many others cared for your Dad (friend, family) and still do. Big hugs, Michelle & Corey
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June 17, 2010
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June Erickson, Crofton, MD said:
For Josh and Jacob:
You’ll never forget your father’s face
the sound of his voice
the softness of his heart
his generous spirit, and
the sparkle in his eye when he laughed….
These things let you know you were loved.
You’ll never forget the stories he told,
the traditions he handed down…
These things let you know who you are.
You’ll never forget the lessons he taught,
the things he stood for
and the principles he fought for…
These are his gifts to you, and your legacy.
You’ll never forget,
and you’ll always know
that you honor your father every day
in how you live and who you are,
Because he loved YOU.
God bless Captain Phil…