Posted on February 19, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
The Brave Last Days of Capt. Phil
This article comes from People magazine
Before his death on Feb. 9 at 53, Phil Harris, the tough and colorful captain of the Cornelia Marie on Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, fought against all odds, came out of a medically-induced coma following lengthy surgery, spent a few more days with friends and family – and set his two sons on a course for a strong future.
“I think that miraculous recovery that happened so rapidly and blew the doctors’ minds away was so that he could say the things that he had to say to the people he had to say them to,” says Dan Mittman, Harris’s best friend for 36 years.
As Harris recovered from his recent stroke at an Anchorage hospital, “I got five days to actually talk with him,” says son Josh, 26. “We had nine days total that we were there to enjoy a few moments with him. We had our closest people there and it was awesome. ”
Coping with Pain
Phil Harris began this January’s opilio crab-fishing season dealing with injury and concerns about his health on the high seas, according to friends and family. “You talk about pain,” says Josh, “but my dad had four crushed disks in his back, so he had been in pain the whole trip and that affected his fishing, too.”
According to Todd Stanley, the Catch producer and cameraman who’d spent years with Harris, “he seemed like he’d just gotten tireder and tireder. I mean, his pulmonary embolism [in 2008] really did it in for him.”
After hurricane-force winds knocked Harris from his bunk to a desk two years ago, and Stanley and the men on the boat forced Harris back to port to address his blood clot and bad health, the man who had an on-the-job habit of smoking cigarettes, eating high-calorie diets with his crew, drinking cases of Red Bull and downing pots of coffee knew he had to alter his lifestyle.
“He did cut back on energy drinks, quite a bit from what he’d usually do,” says Josh, “but [doctors] have determined that smoking was the cause of this, and that was always his biggest habit. He had changed a lot of his habits but just could never kick the smoking. He started working with that electronic cigarette but, not used to it, he didn’t know how to charge it. He just kept smoking.”
‘Just Paralyzed’
While off-loading crab in Alaska on Jan. 29, Cornelia Marie engineer Steve Ward found Phil Harris on the floor of his room, unable to move. Harris called for son Josh, who in turn, got Todd Stanley to stay with him while Josh called 911.
“The whole left side of his face was in paralysis, and that was hard,” Josh says. “He couldn’t move his arms or anything, he was just paralyzed on the floor.”
After being treated “damn near two years to the day,” says Josh, at the same St. Paul Sound clinic that helped him with his blood clot, Phil was medivacked to a hospital in Anchorage and underwent a long operation.
Crucial Days in Anchorage
A few days after Jan. 31, Phil Harris came out of a medically induced coma and right away started asking for friends to spend time with him.
“Phil and I have sat up and had many arguments about what it is to produce a good story,” says cameraman Stanley. “When he called me into the room that day, after 20 minutes of trying to understand what he was saying, because he could barely talk, he scribbled on a piece of paper, ‘Got to get the ending, ending to the story.’ I said, ‘Do you want me filming?’ He just looked at me with those blue eyes, man, and he was shaking his head yes, and shaking his hand with excitement.”
‘So He Could Be at Peace’
In the four days prior to his death, “he was Phil,” says Mittman. “We sat up and talked until midnight, not constantly because of catnaps, but that was our quiet time away from the cameras. We talked in detail, and he had regrets, and he shared them with me and he probably shared them with his sons. He accomplished what he needed to get done so he could be at peace.”
Harris talked to younger son Jake, 24, whom he told PEOPLE in 2008 “has fishing in his blood,” about the business. “I’m going to be looking at that [captain's] chair in a different way,” Jake says. “We definitely talked about it, but I just didn’t expect this to happen so soon. That’s definitely something where I would take over and take the responsibility.”
As for his older son, “he told me to get out of fishing,” Josh says. “I do love fishing, don’t get me wrong, but it was one of those deals where he wanted to see me do something better. He gave me the encouragement. My life goal was to show him I could be a man, you know, and I could fish, and I did the best job that I could, and he recognized that as being a good job and gave me kudos.”
But on Feb. 9, after walking for a bit and working on physical therapy, Phil Harris sat down in his bed next to best friend Dan Mittman to take a break. “He said, ‘Danny, I don’t feel as good as I did yesterday,’ ” Mittman recalls. “They rolled about five doctors through there and they said, ‘You can stay here,’ but, I understood, though.”
Later that day, Phil died with his closest family and friends surrounding him.
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October 25, 2010
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Captain Tom Conroy said:
As a retired professional survey vessel captain with over 20,000 sea hours, I can relate to Capt Phil and his crew. It takes a tough captain to build character, Capt Phil did that for his sons. I know in my heart that he loved them more than we’ll ever know. Like most of us, losing Phil was like losing a part of the family. Capt Phil has crossed the bar…He had a tough job and fought well. Respectfully, Capt Tom Conroy (Retired).
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October 27, 2010
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Angie said:
I have to admit I shed many tears watching last nights episode.
Phil & the Cornelia Marie was my favoutite boat on Deadliest catch.
Phil will never be forgotten, he gave me so many memorable moments.
His love for his sons was evident for all to see.
Jake, I hope you have got over your problems, it takes a big man to admit he has a problem & Josh, what a man you have become, your father would be so proud of both of you.
He will live on in my memory, truly a great man & a wonderful father
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November 8, 2010
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Stacy Dawkins said:
Absolutely gutted at the loss of Phil Harris! He
is Deadliest Catch! It will NEVER be the same without him.
His devotion to his sons & family, so obvious! It was
lovely to see. His concern for friends & fellow
fisherman, so evident.
My own father died from a massive brain haemorage. He was
resuscitated but was brain dead. It is the hardest thing
to see. A man so huge in your life, suddenly gone.
Phil Harris was a huge man. We have loved watching him.
God bless to you all. May the Cornelia Marie go on!
Good luck Mary, Jake&Josh!
Stacy&Rob Dawkins, Romsey, Hampshire, England, 15 SO51 7TJ
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November 16, 2010
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Ken Otken said:
Oh man. I just now learned of Capt. Phil’s passing. I knew he was sick from watching the last couple of years, but I’ve been away from the television for a while… I’m not usually one for sentiment nor do I have a delicate nature, but this news gutted me right off the bat. The Deadliest Catch boat crews, for a good while, felt almost like family to me and I’m sure, many others. Capt. Phil was by far my favorite on the show, I guess because he always had his kids as his first priority. (Not that the other capt’s didn’t don’t get me wrong, but with Phil it was right there in your face every week.) Capt. Phil… You will be missed.
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November 20, 2010
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ADI said:
szacunek dla zalogi uwielbiam was
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November 20, 2010
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tony sawyer said:
My lord.. we are in the middle east and today we watched the TV episode where Phil became ill and passed out in his cabin. I am so sorry to hear this only today about him , though in real live must was ages go. Our condolences to the family and hope that both josh and jake will keep up hi spirit. Our prayers are with the family
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November 25, 2010
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Michael Wheeler Jr. said:
Within the last 2 months I have gotten into the show “Deadliest Catch”. I work all the time, so when I get home I try and get in some episodes to catch up to the current season on the show. (on Netflix) Captain Phil has a striking resemblence to my own Father…who passed away on Sept 11, 2009, in physique, voice, temperament..ect. Last week, my Wife told me that Phil had passed away in Feb. this year. I was shocked to hear of his passing. My respects to Phils Family. I am presently watching episode 11/4th season, when phil was bashed around the quarters, then started caughing blood. I’ll watch it all the way through instead of skipping ahead…..
Rest in peace, Phil .
M. Wheeler, -Richland, Washington
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November 28, 2010
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Christine Marie said:
Capt. Phil is deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family during the holiday season. ~Keeping alive the memories of loved ones, keeps them with us always and assures they will not be forgotten~
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November 28, 2010
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Toni said:
I too want to add my best wishes for Phil’s family and friends this year. I know the holiday season of the year that my dad passed was strange and seemed unreal to me. Something to get through instead of the jolly holiday that he always made of it.
Jake and Josh, carry on, know that it will be different next holiday season and will again be a time to remember Phil fondly with less pain over his very large absence. I still grieve over his loss, I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this is for you two.
I am wishing for you this season peace and new happy memories.
Toni
F/V Ronanci
F/V Pauleen
Morro Bay, California, USA
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November 28, 2010
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Kym said:
The Phil Harris special has just aired here in Australia. A beautiful testament to a great bloke. How very sad you must be in your loss. To Phil’s family & friends I wish you a lovey Christmas and New Year
Kym
Canberra, Australia
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December 4, 2010
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lonewolf said:
capt phill will be sorely missed but i no that jake and josh will step up to the plate and make there father proud the F/V C/M makes proud to be a part time crabber in west coast of fl
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December 6, 2010
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Patrick said:
I live in Germany and i just heard a few days ago what happend to capt Phil. I was totally blown away. I watched the show from the first episode on and i really like you guys.
I am sorry for your loss guys and i hope you’ll carry on his spirit.
Greetings from Germany.
Rest in Peace Phil.
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December 7, 2010
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José Piegas said:
É uma imensa tristeza saber hoje que o CAPITÃO do CORNILIA MARIE,PHIL HARRIS faleceu. A toda a sua família eu mando os meus sentimentos pela vossa perda.
Um grande homen que me fez sonhar um dia abalar de Portugal para fazer uma temporada na pesca do carangueijo no mar de bering.Espero que os seus filhos se juntem e continuem com o barco por muitos anos e sigam o exemplo dos irmãos Sig e Edgar Hansen do Nortwestern e grande amigo de Phil Harris
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December 8, 2010
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Carlos B said:
I’m gonna miss Capt Phil a lot, my prayers are with his two sons and the rest of his family.
Carlos
Madrid, Spain
Buenas mareas y feliz navidad a todos.
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December 9, 2010
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reine larsson said:
tack capten phil.big captin.
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December 9, 2010
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S.E.Filecraft said:
This is a really good read for me. Must agree that Morgan Howard is one of the coolest reporters I ever read. I bookmarked this blog a while ago because of the useful content and I am never being disappointed. Keep up the good work
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December 9, 2010
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reine larsson said:
thanks yuo ar de biggis cap.
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December 12, 2010
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Roland Wientzek said:
I live in Germany and i just heard today what happend to capt Phil. I was totally blown away. I watched the show from the first episode on and i really like you guys.
I am sorry for your loss guys and i hope you’ll carry on his spirit.
My prayers are with you.
Greetings from Germany.
Rest in Peace Phil.
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December 13, 2010
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Christian Gierl said:
Hello from Germany,
I learned yesterday evening what happened to captain Phill and I must say I am deeply shocked at his losst. I’ve seen the show since the first episode and found the Cornelia Marie are the most amazing boat with the best captain.
Phill i miss you, I’m in thoughts with you, your sons and your family.
“Rest in Peace Phil”
Greetings from Germany
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December 13, 2010
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Mela said:
Hello from Germany,
Last night I saw the episode “Farewell to Phil Harris” at “dmax” on German TV. I’ve already learned in February, I was shocked and sad. But then yesterday when I saw how the message went to the other skipper, I was in tears. These images of the funeral and the departure of the skipper, you saw how much she took. It was a very honorable discharge and I am sure that, Phil would have liked. He was and is on the skippers and the people on screen in the world most popular.
I miss him very much and will never forget him and his thoughts are with him.
Phil, you’re a great person and wonderful father!
I wish Josh, Jake and her family before are a lot of power for those difficult days.
Many Greetings from Bad Oldesloe, Germany
Melanie
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December 15, 2010
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Matt said:
Rest in peace capt phil
May there always be good fishing
The reactions on the other boats show
how popular you were
you will always be missed
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January 5, 2011
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jessica said:
j’ai eu beaucoup de peine d’apprendre la disparition du vaillant capitaine Phill,dont le courage et la détermination sont un exemple pour moi! quelle chance pour sa famille et ses amis d’avoir croiser sa vie!
je souhaite beaucoup de courage a sa femme et ses enfants dont il semblait si fier pour cette année 2011!
avec toute mon amitié
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January 13, 2011
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BikerBob said:
RIP! Phil you are missed by so many!
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January 26, 2011
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Sandy said:
Josh & Jake I pray that you will cherish the memories of your father , keep him close to your heart. The people all over the worls has become your fathers and now your alls biggest fan. Your father is deeply missed, but i hope to see one day the both of you in your fathers seat , floowing your fathers footsteps on the deadlest catch . I haven’t seen any seasons lately , but you all are in my prayers , stay safe, and stay strong , You both have already made your father proud !
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February 2, 2011
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Christian said:
A great captain…
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February 10, 2011
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Carol Benson said:
It just won’t be the same without my favorite, Capt Phil…My prayers go out for the Captain his son’s.
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February 21, 2011
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emanuele said:
i came from italy and i am so sad and alone to konw that he’s died but now he is the captain of the sky
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February 22, 2011
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Paul Askew said:
Inspirational Leader
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March 20, 2011
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max hof said:
Dear guys
with all the sympathy Capt Phil was the prime guy of Deadliest Catch. I wish his sons all the best with this tremendous loss. Let`s continue to see every episode of the Cornelia Marie in commemeration of this great man; he has earned a place on the FLYING DUTCHMAN
I hope you continue to be in DEADLIEST CATCH. Love you web site I going to visit it many times, greetings from the Netherlands
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March 22, 2011
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reine larsson said:
god lock jake.
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April 4, 2011
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Tim Loflin said:
jake and josh i wish you all the luck and best as your dad will be very well missed i have not missed any of the show and watch as your dad raise you boys and his legacy will be carried on in you two good luck to all of the crew
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April 7, 2011
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ekhaleel said:
I am shocked. He was my most favorite guy in the show. My condolence to the family. You will live forever in our minds, Captain Phil. Rest in Peace.
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April 8, 2011
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delores said:
holy dognipples. phil is ded. right now phil is longing for a cigarette, .. just one more drag, PLEASE!!!
heh heh heh. meanwhile his one son who is the addict is going to take on fishing boat captain responsibilities. we all know addicts who rehab eventually relapse, this kid is going to get himself and a whole crew killed in the near future if he is in charge of the boat, only a matter of time.
later phil, i bet you never brushed your teeth.
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April 17, 2011
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Meggan said:
So sad to hear the story of how Phil died. At least he got to talk to the people he love before passing away. I hope his family is coping well with the loss.
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April 18, 2011
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Meggan said:
Condolence to the family. it was great loss.
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April 20, 2011
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Kirsten Brown said:
It’s a great loss. But it’s a great thing that he lived a colorful life.
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April 27, 2011
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Sharon Perkins said:
I was his biggest fan. Such a great man! I just recovered from my 2nd pulmonary embolism and survived. I think the good Lord just needed a buddy and Phil would have been anyone’s pick. Good luck to Josh and Jake, his legacy.
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April 27, 2011
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Stig said:
I was a fan of the show some years back, but unplugged from TV viewing and lost track of many of those shows.
Reading this reminds me that there are real people behind that “entertainment”.
Sounds like he lived a great life and I’m saddened to know he is gone.
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May 5, 2011
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S N Gandhi said:
hey Jake & Josh, Phil was a superstar for you guys and those who watch Deadliest Catch.. He was a strong man.. Live his legend and go on guys. I did not expect to see such a end to the program. I was greatly moved. RIP Phil
Satya
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May 5, 2011
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S N Gandhi said:
so many ciggies.. and those sleepless nights.. far away from the shore.. i was guessing all is not gonna be well for Phil in the long run.. but he has ran his race.. he has lead the people.. .. stressing himself out and smoking one too many.. and was no surprise he got a stroke.. is it to do with the heavy smokng and stress??? makes me think twice when i get out for a smoke these days…
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May 5, 2011
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Carlos K. said:
I never know the name of the man. But his brave face is very familiar as i was a fan of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch. I never miss an episode. Capt. Phil was such a big loss.
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May 25, 2011
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Christine said:
This is a very sad story. But one can find a lot of inspiration in it … and I think this is the real point. Rest in peace.
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June 3, 2011
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Dave said:
I’m just thankful that Josh and Jake had a chance to say goodbye to their dad. Captain Phil died much too young of course, but at least he spent a lot of time with his sons on the boat in the last years of his life. When my father collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital, he was gone two days later. We saw him the morning he died, he was alert and ready to get out of there. We planned to come back after lunch for him, but an hour after we left him that morning, he passed away. He was 85, and we knew he was ready to go, but we didn’t know it was going to happen so quickly, and so we didn’t have a real chance to say goodbye.
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June 3, 2011
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Becky said:
I’m not much for any kind of fishing but I gotta tell u the song that was picked for the show was one he’ll of a choice, it got me to watch the first show and from that moment on phil, jake and josh had us hooked. The song drew my family in and phil kept us watching. We still watch the show we refuse to miss one but we truely miss captain phil. I hope this show will continue .
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June 19, 2011
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Chris from Germany said:
Unfortunately, we are now seeing documentary show in Germany. I am sad to read that the charismatic sympathetic Captain Phil succumbed to his serious illness. He will be missed by his fans in Germany. Phil, you’ve done your job more than well. May god bless him.
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July 2, 2011
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Denise Napier said:
Phil was a great man, father, and fisherman. Life goes on but the memory and impressions he left on his family and friends remain always life footprints in the sand.
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July 3, 2011
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cristian said:
ciao sono un ammiratore della serie trasmessa su sky, è nelle puntate nuove ho saputo della scomparsa del cap.PHIL.e la notizia mi ha scioccato è vorrei espriemere le mie più sincere condoglianze hai figli ,e tutta la famiglia,una saluto cristian
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July 7, 2011
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Lindsay Hayze said:
To Phill and his family, your dad was doing what he loved.
The show was the best fishing show my family watched. Im in Australia and saw the epp last night when he died and it was so sad
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July 16, 2011
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Very efficiently written post. Will probably be precious to those who uses it, including myself. Keep up the nice work! For sure I will take a look at your posts again soon.
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August 1, 2011
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