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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March 9, 2010
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Beth Krabe said:
I will miss Phil. He was so real to life and having his sons on the boat with him proved that he was just a regular dad who loved his sons – but they still (lovingly) drove him up the wall. Being a parent of 2 boys, I feel that too. You love them so much but they can drive you crazy. But then you look back and laugh – because it is usually very funny! It is just boys being boys! I hope to still see the Cornelia Marie fishing and I send my love and prayers to his family, and all of the friends he had.
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March 10, 2010
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Michael Tweed said:
Phil wil be missed, I have watched him and the crew over the years and have enjoyed his outgoing and honest personality. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
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March 10, 2010
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Fortune said:
I miss that man, I really do. I never even knew him personally, and I miss him. I was completely heartbroken when I heard he had died. I had a “celebrity crush” on him, because he was a real man’s man. But the blue eyes, the raspy voice, and the tough-but-human attitude didn’t hurt, either. There will never be another Captain Phil.
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March 10, 2010
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B.J.Dimit said:
aptn phil was a straight up man.I my self feel like I knew him and his crew pesonally just from watching the show for five years.I hope josh and jake continue the legacy of the F/V cornelia marie.
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March 11, 2010
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Dennis Hacker JR said:
captain Phil was our favorite on deadliest catch and he will be missed
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March 12, 2010
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mike said:
I have been a huge fan of the series ( Deadliest Catch) Capt. Phil and the Cornelia Marie was my favorite ship & crew. I will miss Capt. Phil, being close to the same age. My Thoughts & Prayers goes out to the Family & Crew. God Bless you all & once again Good Bye Capt. Phil.
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March 14, 2010
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elisa said:
The Cornelia Marie was and still is my favorite of them all. The show really showed both the tuff and soft side of phil (from a viewer’s perspective). To me he seemed like a genuine person,father,boss, and friend. – wish nothing but the best to his family and it’s really nice to hear that his boys and close friends were able to spend those last remaining days with him and really just finding closure. Not everyone is lucky enough to have that opportunity. I am looking forward to seeing the new season of deadliest catch and hope to see cornelia marie crew on top as always.
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March 14, 2010
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ray donnelly said:
Hurray to phil a life fully lived and an insperation to all of us who live quietier lives , to Josh and family regrets.you will miss him as will we, But hurray again to a life fully lived
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March 14, 2010
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Shawna said:
It was honestly a sad day to hear the news 3 days before my birthday that The Best Captain on the show had passed..It (is) was my favorite Boat! I know in my heart the boys will find peace! I know Phil has. He will continue his journey with God and watch over his friends and family!
May God Bless the Harris Family!
The Cline Family!
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March 15, 2010
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JPM said:
Rest In Peace Phil.
Your work here is done.
Enjoy a well deserved rest.
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March 15, 2010
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Olan said:
My prayers are with the boys and captain Phil, I really enjoyed watching the Captain at work and will miss him.
God bless.
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March 16, 2010
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Conferencing Services said:
I admire Cornelia Maria is one the profitable crab fishing boats characteristic on the Discovery Channel series Deadliest catch. The boat is having by Cornelia Marie and the late Phil Harris. Two of Phil’s sons, Jake and Josh Harris, work on the boat as well. Her home port is Kodiak, Alaska. Well, if you read this site I can sure you that you will have a rousing outlook with your life. I’m pleased to read your article always.
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March 16, 2010
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dave baldwin UK said:
i just found out about phil harris
as a fan of the show since it has been running in the uk and have been wathing it on the internet to keep up with shows as we are about 2 years behind here
“i am deeply saddend by his death”
i offer my preyers and well wishes to his family and close frends
i fermly beleve the show has lost one of its most carasmatic stars
with phil it seemed you got what you saw nothing hidden heart on his sleave kind of guy and the world needs more of them
i hope his sons find the courage and faith inthem selves to carry on the family bussiness in the same style as there father ferm but fair
rest in peace Cpt Harris you are missed
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March 16, 2010
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Gina said:
I feel so much for Jake and Josh. Phil definitely wanted them to focus on the business and themselves and continue to set goals and be prosperous. He left them a legacy to cultivate and hopefully they can make it through the grief and new life they have now. He was such a one of a kind person and losing my own father suddenly at 58 I feel their pain. It is so important to be true to yourselves, Jake and Josh, and live as if your dad was gonna show up at anytime to see where you are at. He is only gone in body, not in spirit and Im sure you want to greet him one day and be able to look him in the eye and say, I didn’t fuck it up Dad. I did it right! God bless you both and the crew of Cornelia Marie. I watched the first season with my Dad before he passed and never stopped watching. My heart is heavy this season for Phil RIP.
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March 16, 2010
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Tom Schneiter said:
Harris,family regrets-phil thank you for being part of the show which has made me wanting to see Alaska,i am saving money for the trip before my end thanks for the good times on the show never missed any thanks again don’t do too much fishing up there,Phil
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March 17, 2010
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Lori Hilliard said:
The for past 4 years at christmas,& my birthday friends and family would ask me what I wanted? I would say to go to Alaska and meet Capt. Phil Harris and stand on the Cornelia Maria to get a picture. I was so sadden when I heard he had pasted. My heart goes out to you boys, your dad loved you so much. And by so many, he touched more lives then anyone will ever know. We mourn with you, and keep you in our prayers everday as you try and start your new journey. Remember he is watching over you so do him proud and kick some butt out there on the Bering sea.
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March 17, 2010
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MichieMich said:
Capt. Phil Harris was the real deal. A true badass in every good sense of the word, but with humor and compassion in his eyes. They don’t make guys like that much anymore, sad to say. Wish I could’ve met him.
Smooth sailing and godspeed, Phil.
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March 17, 2010
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Judy McIntye said:
my sister and I started watching the show mainly because of Phil. He reminded us a whole lot of our deceased older brother. We ended up falling in love with the show. It;s just unbelievably amazing what you all do in order to provide the economy with the sea fare that you risk your lives for. The show will never be the same and HE will be sadly missed. Our condolences to all his family and friends.
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March 21, 2010
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Glenn said:
He showed us how to live, and in the end, he showed us how to die.
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March 21, 2010
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Michael said:
I’ve been a fan of TDC since the debut season and without a doubt, Captains Sig Hansen and Phil Harris made the show, period and Capt. Phil was my personal favorite.
After reading this piece, it sounded like classic Capt. Phil. I never knew the man, nor even met him, but after watching the two (three?) seasons where his sons Jake & Josh joined him, I got to see him in both a work AND family setting and felt like I knew him.
When I heard he had passed away, I wasn’t surprised. I wasn’t surprised either that he refused to stop working what is arguably not only the world’s deadliest, but also the most stressful; especially in light of his pulmonary embolism he had two seasons ago.
But that was also classic Capt. Phil. He loved the sea, he loved to fish, he loved Alaska and he loved his sons and to have all four of those loves at one time, it’s easy to see why he just couldn’t hang it up and personally speaking, I can’t say I’d disagree with his choices.
He will be greatly missed by the millions of fans who watched him every week, myself included, and quite frankly, while I’ll keep watching TDC, it just won’t be the same without the irracibile but loveable Capt. Phil Harris.
God Speed, Captain Harris. May your soul Rest In Peace for all eternity. You are greatly missed and the world is a far sadder place without you in it.
Cheers!
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March 21, 2010
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SHERRIE WARD said:
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU D CAPT.PHIL yOU WERE MY FAV.CAPT. KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE AND BE SAFE
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March 21, 2010
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Mitch said:
You will be missed Phil. Thanks for the countless hours of enjoyment you gave all of us..
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March 21, 2010
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floyd said:
I’m glad they finally put the show back up on discovery channel.. After hearing of Cap’n Phil’s passing I’ve been pretty bummed out. He was definately one of the most colorful, passionate, and knowladgable of the Bering Sea Captains. Year after Year he added a great and exciting dynamic to the whole show. It wont be the same without him. He will be missed.
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March 21, 2010
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Jim Stacey said:
As we approach another season of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch my thoughts go out to Captain Phil and the crew of the Cornelia Marie. With out Captain Phil and the excitement he brings to the show and his boat Cornelia Marie this of season Deadliest Catch will not be the same. I didn’t know Captain Phil but he was really one of a kind. I really enjoyed watching him, and how he treated the crew of the Cornelia Marie. It might just be me but it appeared he really cared about his crew. I wish his friends and family the best. From Texas Y’all have a good season.
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March 21, 2010
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teresa larson said:
Captn. Phil Harris, was my favorite too!..the show just isnt’ the same without him!..altho, he cared so much for crew, it was obvious , that his kids, were what it was ALL about!..they showed their respect and love for their dad thru out the series too…thank you for sharing your lives with us!..teresa
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March 21, 2010
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RebeccaC said:
:-( I am sad. Phil was THE BEST!!!!
I think he’s probably everyone’s favorite Captain on DC , I know he was my favorite.
Praying for his family. His boys are gonna miss him terribly!
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March 22, 2010
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Sherrie Porter said:
I posted once but with tears in my eyes I feel I have something else to say, especially to Jake, Josh and the people who knew and loved Phil most. I stated that I come from a long line of watermen. I lost my father and my brother this past year within 9 months of each other. Like all of you I was blessed to be able to spend the last few weeks of their lives with them. To help them with needs but most importantly to share things that needed to be said and to show our love for each other that was always there but maybe wasn’t always shared. I was with them both when they passed from this life to go on to the bigger sea. We spread my brothers ashes in the waters where he spent most of his life in work and play. He was one of the best oysterman around they said. I like to think he is guiding others now to their big catch. I pray you will always have this closeness with your dad and old friend Phil. God Bless all of you.
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March 22, 2010
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Sonny said:
God speed Capt.
Capt. Phil was the only reason i watch the show. This will be the last season for me. Good Luck to his boys and Family.
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March 22, 2010
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Thomas said:
Ich habe diese Sendung oft im Fernsehen verfolgt, denn auch hier in Deutschland ist diese Serie ein großer Erfolg. Ich war geschockt, als ich las, das Capt. Harris gestorben ist.
Meine Gedanken sind bei seinen zwei Söhnen und seiner Familie.
Möge er in Frieden ruhen.
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March 22, 2010
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Aly said:
What a gift for his boys and his close friends to have that time with him at the end. As grizzly as Phil was, he was all heart. It was so clear how much he loved his boys. I hope that the show will air the film of Phil’s last days to give closure to all of us out here that grew to care about him so much. God Speed Capt. Phil!
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March 22, 2010
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Brina said:
My thoughts are with Jake and Josh. They say time heals but they dont say how much time it takes. Hang in there.
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March 23, 2010
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Ken Langley said:
Me and my family often watch Deadliest Catch here is the UK…and sad to say a true gentleman and legend is no longer with us…the Cornelia Marie will never be the same without Phil..
RIP is peace Phil…and deepest sympathy to his family
The Cornelia Marie is about to start a new chapter sadly it will never be the same without Phil at the helm.
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March 24, 2010
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Dave Matthews said:
Phil will be sadly missed by us all here in Cornwall UK, he was one of those guys that everyone loves, a fair and honest man with a passion for his work and his family, God bless you Phil and may your family find peace in the love we all share for a true Bearing Sea, sea dog Captn.
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March 24, 2010
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John Couture said:
I hope this is a wake up call to the smokers out there.
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March 24, 2010
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Almos said:
When I saw on the Discovery Channel website his picture with the message “we will miss you”; I immediately understood he died. That was a shocking moment I will never forget. I felt as if I had lost somebody from my closest family. Rest in peace, Phil. We will never forget you
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March 26, 2010
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steffan siler said:
I watched deadlest catch because of my late father he was also a boat captain. When I first saw capt Phill it was like seeing my dad again. The voice rough from smoke and long hours on the ocean. The same look of knowing things others will never experience.I wish to send my heart felt wish of peace for his family, and I hope the boys can still enjoy the sea. It took me some time after my dads death to do so. Goodbye Captain Phill you will be missed.
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March 26, 2010
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scott said:
I sigend up to this some time ago and to still see tributes comming in just proves my case phil was legend genuine loyal honnest hard worker . R.I.P phil you will always be rememberd .
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March 26, 2010
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Brian J said:
Very sorry to see such a great captain gone, both myself and wife saw phil as a hard working straight up guy, just wanted what was best for hima nd his family/workers. he will be sadly missed by all. R.I.P phil..
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March 26, 2010
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Sig Hanson said:
He was one hell of a skipper. He will be missed by all of us.
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March 27, 2010
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Yvonne said:
He did it his way. You gotta love him for that.
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March 27, 2010
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Sarah Felger said:
My heart hurts sooo bad for those who you left behind, especially Jake & Josh. Oh Captain…my Captain…what an amazing man you were. So raw…you said exactly what you meant and totally meant what you said. I cannot look at your picture without tearing up…you sooooo rocked. May there be many crab farts in heaven…
~Sarah
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March 27, 2010
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Jim said:
I was lucky enough to meet Capt Phil and the boys when they came to Eureka, Ca for a benefit. What a class act! My heart goes out to the Harris family and friends.
I met Phil for 3 minutes once. I feel like I knew him, and I miss him.
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March 28, 2010
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Linda said:
Captain Phil, you did a good job on this earth. You taught your sons what it means to be a man, to be a father, to be a captain, to be a human. I loved your humor, those clear blue eyes, and the sincerity you expressed with every word you spoke. Your sons are proud of you, and so are we all. Rest well, dear Phil.
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March 28, 2010
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Capt. Pat said:
Wish I had known you in person, Phil! You were a tough SOB when necessary, but very endearing all at the same time. Your boys are gonna have a hard time without you, as are your fans!
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March 28, 2010
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brenda washburn said:
my family will miss capt. phil harris. he was a great man, he was doing 2 hard job’s at a time. one was being the capt of his boat and the other was being a father.he did both great, just look at his boy’s. his son’s jake and josh will now carry on his legecy. the world will be a sadder place without him. may he be buried near his boy’s so they can visit him often.capt. phil will be sadly missed by his son’s jake, josh, friends and family, and my family. all our prayers go out to his boy’s, family and friends
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March 28, 2010
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Heide Diederich said:
I have watched the show since it first started and Phil has always been my favorite captain. He has a very close resemblance to my dad. He always said what was on his mind on the show and just seemed like a really good guy. My heart goes out to his family. The loss they have suffered is a great one, and there is a whole that will never quite be filled. We will miss you Phil!
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March 28, 2010
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Teresa said:
Rest peacefully Captain Phil and keep an eye out for all those who sail the Bering Sea.
Thank you for letting us get to know you and showing us how hard fisherman work. I admire the dedication and love you had for the Cornelia Maria, your crew and the respect you had for the sea~
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March 29, 2010
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Karen Dansby said:
I started watching the show when I lived in Texas and really respect the crews and captains for doing something not many people can or would do. Phil Harris was one tough and entertaining man. I am sure everyone will miss him. I moved to Seattle three years ago and never took the time to try and meet any of the crews or captains of these wonderful deadliest catch boats. My prayers are with Phil Harris’ family and friends. I truly am sorry his family had to lose him so soon but I know they will be alright. His sons learned a lot from their dad and from fishing. That should carry them on even though we only see what the camera shows.
Stay strong and remember all the good things and lessons he taught you. God bless you all and may your burden be lightened.
I imagine Capt. Phil watching this last season from above with great anticipation. :) May his presence always be felt on the boat and with his family and friends.
Take care Phil.
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March 29, 2010
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Karen Dansby said:
I started watching the show when I lived in Texas and really respect the crews and captains for doing something not many people can or would do. Phil Harris was one tough and entertaining man. I am sure everyone will miss him. I moved to Seattle three years ago and never took the time to try and meet any of the crews or captains of these wonderful deadliest catch boats. My prayers are with Phil Harris’ family and friends. I truly am sorry his family had to lose him so soon but I know they will be alright. His sons learned a lot from their dad and from fishing. That should carry them on even though we only see what the camera shows.
Stay strong and remember all the good things and lessons he taught you. God bless you all and may your burden be lightened.
I imagine Capt. Phil watching this last season from above with great anticipation. :) May his presence always be felt on the boat and with his family and friends.
Take care Phil and goodbye.
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March 29, 2010
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Carol Shown said:
I have been a fan of DC since the beginning. What can you say! It was a Wild Ride every week!
Thank You Phil of the memories! You will be missed.
God Bless you Jake & Josh