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.
891 Comments
We'd love to hear yours!
Leave a Reply
Here's your chance to speak.
Visit My Website
March 30, 2010
Permalink
Pete Shugars said:
I personally didn’t know captain Phil but i have watched the show since the start and i will miss him he was my Fav. captain and from one fisherman to another I will see you again in the end & don’t fish that hole out before I get there.
Visit My Website
March 30, 2010
Permalink
Mariah Bennett said:
I have followed Deadliest Catch from the beginning. I am in shock to learn that Capt Phil has died. I grieve for his sons and for the great loss. Everyone on Deadliest Catch is family. Phil was my favorite Capt because you could see his strength and the struggle on a daily basis to pass on his knowledge to his sons. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his sons, his family and friends…and to the whole cast and crew of Deadliest Catch. I’m sorry I didn’t know sooner.
Visit My Website
March 30, 2010
Permalink
Steve Trice said:
Just a quick note to Josh and Jake;I think your dad was one great guy.You could see how much he loved both of you and he will be sorely missed.I have never missed an episode and still won’t.I hope to see you guys back on the CM and continuing Phil’s legacy.God speed Phil,I feel I have lost a close friend.
Visit My Website
March 31, 2010
Permalink
Donna Bungard said:
To my favorite CAPTAIN. May the winds take you to the best fishin hole ever!
I miss you already. Jake and Josh my prayers are with you. Carry on with pride in the name of CAPTAIN PHIL!!
Visit My Website
March 31, 2010
Permalink
Sallie said:
So sorry to hear of the death of Captain Phil, he was a favorite of mine as I am a great fan of the show. His love for fishing was only over-shadowed by his love for Josh and Jake. I wish his sons well he wanted the world for them and I hope they find it.
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Matt said:
To the Harris family my prayers go out to you. To have a father like that is beyond imagination. The care and compassion you had on the show was amazing. I have been watching the show since the beginning and was shocked to hear of his death. May he rest in peace. God bless to you guys. I know there will be smooth sailing for the rest of your lives because Captain Phil will always be looking down on you.
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
ronny said:
Wheare verry sad to find out that phil died,we are from belgium and the series running later over here.
He was a great skipper,and a good friend and dad to his two sons.
Whe will missing his carracter and dry humor,hardly never screaming to his crew,he was a good en respectful skipper,
Sorry if i make e few mistakes in my writting I AME FROM BELGIUM,
Iwish his sons and family,friends al the best.
RONNY
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
amanda said:
An now the poor guy rots in hell for his bad choices in life. GOD gave him a 2nd chance to come back and repent his sins, I am sure that did not happen.
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
katie said:
Amanda … may reap what you sow.. may you that live in a glass house throw the first stone then honey i would duck.. you know nothing of that man.. i dont know who you are .. but.. im sure this board is NOT for you to trash Phil.. i could say a lot more and am tempted but.. then id lower my self to your level.. and that i assure you wont happen…
I would be pleased and honored to be sitting beside that man as he fishes in heaven… unlike you… you wont get to fish..you will be bait….
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Cynthia said:
Amanda….. obviously you didn’t watch the show to see what kind of man Phil truely was. And it must be nice to be able to live in a glass house and throw stones, if I was u I would duck ALOT!!!! Don’t degrade someone you don’t know, because what comes around goes around and you should be very careful. Phil was a good, kind, and very smart man. Everyone is allowed their opinion but why would u bother posting something like that about someone you didn’t even know. If you didn’t like him why would you even bother? And I’m pretty sure you know what you can do with your bible thumping attitude. I personally love Phil, and hope the Cornelia Marie stays on the show. Phil will be missed greatly!!!
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
deadilest catch fan said:
Phil was my favorite, my husband and I have been watching the show since the beginning. He will be missed.
Amanda if you can’t say something nice, why didn’t you just keep it to yourself, that comment was uncalled for
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Mathew said:
well oh hell… my bible thumping boots are in the truck.. nothing like walking on and spitting on a grave… i read your comment and then just moved on .. then returned to see that .. you are in the total minority.. i got a really good idea for you … since you seem to be soo very full of knowledge.. ( i dont think that’s what it’s really called.) You probably should just move along to someone elses board and keep them on the straight and narrow.. making a comment like you have made..about someone you know NOTHING ABOUT merely proves your head isnt full of brains at all but more likely full of.. $hit
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Karen Dansby said:
Who hasn’t made bad choices in their life at one time or another. Does this mean we all will rot in hell as one commenter suggests? I don’t think so. :)
I’ve posted once before but I wanted to state again the deep respect I have for the men and women who choose this work. It’s a noble and ancient profession and any kudos are well deserved I am sure. This is Capt. Phil’s and his family’s time right now. Good luck all and god bless. There are obviously more fans than not and that being said. Safe passage to all who sail the seas.
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Wayne Jones said:
As I said on the fan page for Capt. Phil, this will be a huge void in the fleet to me and I’m sure everyone. I seemed to feel most for him of all the skippers, that “one-legged man in a a&*!kickin’ contest.” Yet he always pulled it off with high numbers. Even when some quack sent the wrong-pitched propellor one season to replace the busted one(starboard was it?). RIP, Phil-keep kicking butt, guys!
Visit My Website
April 1, 2010
Permalink
Cat said:
Amanda—How sad and empty your life must be to come to this board to talk utter nonsense about someone you did not even know. This man had 2 sons who are mourning for him along with countless personal friends and fans. How dare you be so callous! But I’m with Katie and the others, I will not lower myself to your level. Go find somewhere else to haunt and leave Capt. Phil, his family, his friends and his fans alone. Now hop on that broomstick and fly on out of here….and please, don’t come back. Your not wanted nor welcomed. RIP Phil and sympathies to Josh, Jake, the rest of his family and friends. He WILL be missed.
Visit My Website
April 2, 2010
Permalink
adam said:
Amanda, you’re a dumb bi***. To the Harris family, Rock On. Rest Easy, Capt.
Visit My Website
April 2, 2010
Permalink
JD said:
My mouth is still hanging open from reading the comment Amanda made. Why on God’s green earth would anyone say something like that! I too have watched Captain Phil and the rest of crew and show from the beginning and I am thoroughly convinced that Phil was a GREAT person and has a special place in heaven. My thoughts and prayers go out to Captain Phil and his family.
RIP Phil…
Visit My Website
April 2, 2010
Permalink
Ken said:
I have watched the show from the start.I have followed all the Captian`s even the interviews.Captian Phill Harris was one of those rare people that show`s up on this earth and does the right thing.He raised two boy`s that have turned out to be good people.He lived his life the way he wanted,,,,,good or bad,but who is the judge of that,,,,only Phill.He went out with respect and pride.I lost my Dad when he was very young,but he did the same thing,as I will when it`s my time.The gal Amanda must have been his X wife.My heart goes out to Josh and his brother,because you could see they both loved him with all their heart`s.Life goes on and so does the show.Everyone should be very proud that watch`s the show that they had the time to watch these guy`s that risk their live`s to better it for their family`s.GOOD-BY PHILL HARRIS,SEE YOU SOON!….PS:Amanda I think you will see him before I do and I`m 96.It`s called KARMA BABY.
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
Bob said:
amanda, you are one stupid bitch.
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
philip said:
I always appreciated Phil. he is a very brave good working man who did not deserve to die !
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
Kathrine Nilsson said:
I have seen many episodes of Deadiest catch, and I must say that Phil was my absolute favourite captain. So cool, strong and handsome!
So I was so sad than I was told that he wasn´t among us anymore. My thoughts go to his sons, be strong guys!
And Phil,rest in peace, we will always love you!
Best wishes from Sweden.
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
Christine said:
What a Shock!! I was watching a program on the Discovery channel and saw the commercial where it had shown Phil passed away. I was like WHAT??? I had to rewind it to see it again. I was teary eyed and so sad and i dont even know him but just from watching the series. Phil, U will be greatly missed by all your friends family, loved ones, and all your Fans!! May God Bless your family and hope his 2 sons, Jake and Josh, carry on your legacy the way you would like to see them do. He lived such a rough life by working like he did, but he did it for his family and i can respect that 100%!!
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
Jon said:
It saddens me that some use this board to trash the people that take on jobs that no one else wants. Being a off shore captain myself, Capt. Harris is part of a brotherhood and bond that cannot be tarnished by anyone. Say what your heart desires, but you will NEVER take away that pride of being a Captain of a crab boat. (F/V Corneila Marie, this is F/V Eastern Pride on channel 18. As the anchor sets to the bottom of the blue sea, rest in peace my brother, you will be missed dearly, never forgotten and always be in our hearts forever. This is F/V Eastern Pride standing by.)
Visit My Website
April 3, 2010
Permalink
Al R. said:
I think the outpouring of affection for the rough and tumble Capt. Phil Harris from people that only knew him from Tv speaks volumes about the man.
Visit My Website
April 4, 2010
Permalink
Bill Van said:
Josh and Jake, my heart goes out to you. I lost my father last Thanksgiving, it was and still is very hard. But time does heal, and it’s the good times and life lessons that you will remember moving forward.
My God Bless you both as you move forward in your life’s journeys.
Visit My Website
April 4, 2010
Permalink
Julie Anne Burton said:
My husband and I only recently started watching the show on Netflix a month or so ago, so I can’t claim a long viewing habit, but Capt. Phil was one of our favorites. We loved the way he let us into his life, not only the fishing aspect of it, but his feeling for his family, and his sense of duty and obligation to his crew and everyone else who depended on him.
I know I can’t say anything to make your loss easier; I wish I could. You all must be feeling a huge loss and much sadness. If it’s of any comfort to you all, even without ever having met him, he touched many people’s lives. He helped make us aware of the very dangerous occupation your family’s in so that we can enjoy delicious Alaskan crab. He showed us the sacrifices Captains, crew, and family make to do what he loved — fishing. My husband and I are very grateful that we had the opportunity to hear from this marvelous man. We are very sorry for your loss.
Visit My Website
April 4, 2010
Permalink
Julie Anne Burton said:
Amanda — how *dare* you make such comments to Capt. Phil’s family and friends? Please, go see your priest or minister and confess your sin. I’d also recommend secular counseling, as you appear to have anti-social personality disorder tendencies. That was rude, completely uncalled-for, and disrespectful. Shame on you. Shame.
The Harris family and friends — please ignore that dreadful woman’s comment. The Capt. was a good man with a large heart, and I have no doubt whatsoever that God is cradling him in his arms in love and that Capt. Phil will be waiting in heaven when it comes time for you to join him — hopefully many, many years from now.
May God bless all of you.
Visit My Website
April 4, 2010
Permalink
LisaS said:
Amanda it saddens me that you would come to a board like this to belittle a man you did not know. No matter the choices Phil made in his life the end is between him and his maker, not you or I. “Judge not lest you be judged.”
I have been watching Deadliest catch also since the start, and have been pulled into their lives along with the rest of the world, seen the ups and downs, cried as ships went down, lives were lost. Almost clapped in joy when the seas were good and they had good hauls, laughed over the hi jinx between crews and held my breath seeing the close calls the men have. Capt. Phil was right there with his crew through thick and thin. He showed us the emotion between the man, his sons, and extended family.
God Bless you Phil you will be greatly missed.
Visit My Website
April 4, 2010
Permalink
Helen Vermeulen said:
Amanda!!!who do you think you are?Phil is with our maker.He was a good kind soul and treated everyone right.God is the only one who can pass judgement not you. Did you ever watch the Deadliest Catch? All the guys believe in a higher power you would be crazy not to doing that job. Phil loved his boys, crew, his fellow Captains and friends. Everyone curses so please get a life!!Leave our Captain Phil alone. I sugest you look deep inside of your soul and go for help!
Visit My Website
April 5, 2010
Permalink
MaryH said:
People like our ever so rightous Amanda(If that is even her real name) have no life sadly and do nothing more than sit around all day and look for a tragedy so she can poke a stick in a wound. People like her get thier jollies by hurting others and seeing how much damage they can do. They like to be the center of attention, so they make others so angry that the focus becomes about her and no longer Capt. Phil or any one else. When you see crap like that, the best thing to do is ignore her and don’t give her the attention she is begging for…. Sad…
Fair Weather to you Capt. Phil…I know your seas are now calm and the wind is at your back…See you on the other side…
Visit My Website
April 5, 2010
Permalink
Roberta Dunn said:
Fishing was obviously one of the favorite activities of our Messiah, Jesus. He liked seafood so much he turned a few fish into thousands, and hung out with fishermen from the very start of His ministry. The early Christian church was developed by Simon Peter,who, by the way, was a successful fisherman.
The brave fishermen of the high seas, risk their lives to make an honest living for their families and bring food to others. The men and women who go out to sea are the most spiritual people I have ever met. Just because somebody smokes and cusses, doesnt mean God loves them any less than a pious church goer. God Bless the family and friends of Capt Phil. I love Deadliest Catch, and I think it is a show with a great message for all families. More fathers and sons need to have a bond like Phil has with his sons.
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
Gina said:
RIP Phil. Not the same without you.
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
Steve said:
Capt. Phil is awesome. What a loss. Amanda! Go fuck yourself you heartless fucking witch!!!
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
debbie said:
I am sorry he passed, I think he was a great man and father. We will all miss him
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
Ted Lubinski said:
My deepest sympathy for all that knew and loved Phil. A fine example of what a man should be, tough as nails but kind, considerate and passionate. Smooth sailing and safe passage for all that venture out to sea.
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
JeffW said:
Jake, Josh, and the rest of the family…I’m sure you have realized how much Phil was liked and admired; He had thousands of fans, and I am one of them. I’m very sorry for you loss.
Visit My Website
April 6, 2010
Permalink
Sandy said:
Hey Amanda, it’s called a remote control. If you don’t like what you see, change the channel! Perhaps you should be out on a boat in those conditions. I wonder what you would do to deal with all the pressures of a captian. If all you noticed were “bad habits” then I suggest you take up some other activity.
To all of Phil’s family and friends, I’m very sorry for your loss and although we did not know him personally, he will be sorely missed by our family. I still can’t watch the old episodes without crying.
Phil, if you do fish out that hole before I get there, I’ll be happy to clean ‘em for you, if not save me a spot! I’ll be the girl in the waders.
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
nicholas said:
Just wanted to send out my deepest sympathies to the Harris family! Capt. Phil and his family were one of the main reasons i started tuning in. To see a family with such a strong bond working together to accomplish an always daunting task was inspiring, my heart goes out to josh and jake, god bless the harris family and thank you for all that you have shared with us!
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
Tracy Hughes said:
I met Phil when we were neighbors in Kirkland, WA. I remember the first time he brought his kids to his new place. They were just scrappy little kids then, now full grown men. Which makes me — old. And that of course makes me think of how Phil lived his life. He packed a whole lot of livin’ into the years he had. He was always a ton of fun to be around. Rest in Peace.
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
Michael said:
I’ve been traveling overseas recently so have only just today heard the sad news.
My heart and thoughts go out to Captain Phil Harris’ family in what must be a difficult time. They will at least be heartened by the many kind wishes sent via this site.
I’ve been a dedicated follower of the Deadliest Catch since its inception and it really will not be the same watching (as I will continue to do) without my favorite captain involved.
Amanda, your poisonous comments have been widely criticized and I will be adding to this. Why you feel the need to post this type of garbage is beyond my comprehension and I feel you should consider the feelings of others (Phil’s family will likely be reading these posts) before voicing your opinions as they are clearly not welcomed in this forum. People like you do not deserve access to an internet connection let alone an opinion.
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
John said:
My sincere sorrow to the Harris family for your loss.
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
Sean White said:
Captain Phil was a big reason why I watch Deadliest Catch. I will miss him. His sons have should be able to carry on the Harris name with pride. Rest in Peace.
Visit My Website
April 7, 2010
Permalink
Patricia said:
I, too, watched Capt Phil on Deadliest Catch and watched a Capt Phil show his soft heart and good soul. If you watch and read any and all the times he spoke you see how he taught others by changing his personality to match the setting to motivate you. Yes, Capt Phil, I thank you for sharing your wisdom and I will miss you as well as the rest of us wanna be greenhorns.
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
keely said:
I didn’t know Captain Phil Harris but my mom was stricken with the same illness same time as Captain Phil Harris. I cried when he died even tho I don’t know him but it affected me so much my mom is not 100% I worry I’m gonna lose her. I wish the Harris family the best. I would want nothing more then to pay my respects to a wonderful man, father, and captain. With all my love!
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
Curtis from (UK) said:
I have watched the show and Capt Phil since day 1 and am totally shocked at his death. My prayers go to him and his family, he will be missed more then mere words could ever explain by everyone who watched Deadliest Catch!
For me, Big Phil was the epitome of the frontiersman,..brave, hardy, uncompromising, a straight shooter and above all a lovely guy. I never knew him, but he is one of those few people you see on the TV reality shows that you really wish you did. A kind of guy you just know would be a great guy to go for a beer with or just shoot the breeze. The kind of guy who is a best friend you never met.
Captain Phil..rest in peace, you were an inspiration to more people than you could ever know.
My condolences to Josh and Jake,…. guys,… your Dad was Awesome!!…
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
IWeep4You said:
The Lord is my pilot, I shall not go adrift; He lighteth my passage across dark channels; He steereth me through the deep waters, He keepeth my log. He guideth me by the evening star for my safety’s sake. Yea, though I sail mid the thunders and tempest of life, I shall fear no peril for Thou art with me. The vastness of thy sea upholds me. Surely fair winds and safe harbors shall be found all the days of my life; And I shall moor, fast, and secure, forever Amen.
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
john said:
every mans hopes and dreams are to have one or all of his children to follow in his footsteps but to ultimatly know he did everything he could to help them along the way and to know when he was gone that they would be able to do it on thier own, i believe phil died a happy and content man, and will be keeping an eye on his family.
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
Eforce said:
I agree with the majority of the other posters….And what comes to mind is to put Amanda in a crab pot and “WELD” it shut before tossing it overboard. As bitter as the bait is,it would probably come up lame. I really liked Phil’s humor….Wished he’d done like me and gave up the smokes….I got scared when I coughed up dark red blood…that was it for me….As for the Harris Family,I know it’s hard,But he would want you to be happy…..I’ve lost a lot in 10 years…it does get easier eventually,But I still have moments.
My wife died from Pnemonia 7 years ago in march,But what really kills me ,even more than that, was the Murder of my sister and Neice in 2007. There was a total of 6 people Killed total in all…God Bless everyone!!!
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
Eforce said:
I wonder If Amanda eats crabs,Knows where they come from(Not the grocery store)..Or if she’s just bitter that she has them???(Not the eatin’ kind)EEEEEUUUUUWWWW!!!! There’s some Humor for ya Phil!!!
Visit My Website
April 8, 2010
Permalink
Ronnie said:
You stupid cunt Amanda I hope you die now bitch.. R.I.P phil were all gonna miss you man