Posted on July 9, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Filling in for Capt. Phil – the toughest job
Josh Harris calling Captains
The still shot above is from a video showing Josh on the phone looking for a captain to take his dad’s place. This scene was not aired on “Deadliest Catch”. This video clip comes from the an internet only series of videos called “Chasing the Catch”. These videos were all taken from and include the chase boat, the “FV Aquila”. This boat is owned by some great folks who have been good friends to the FV Cornelia Marie, thank you Kale and Anji.
As viewers of the show, it was really hard to watch a relief skipper come aboard the FV Cornelia Marie at the end of the last episode. That new skipper is Derrick Ray and he’s an old family friend of my mother, Cornelia and Capt. Phil. When Derrick landed in St. Paul to captain the FV Cornelia Marie, we thought Phil was going to make a long but full recovery. So, it was up to Derrick to step in and finish the Opilio season. This was a tough situation – to step on board during that time. Derrick said the crew was very upset and that they “were a train wreck”.
I couldn’t think of a better person to step in during that time than Derrick Ray. He’s a well known Bering Sea Captain with a big heart to match his talent as a great skipper.
Derrick started making money on the sea at a very young age. He was a deckhand on charter boats that plyed the waters off the Oregon Coast. Once high school was over he headed north to Alaska. Here, he worked on several boats before landing a job as a deckhand on the F/V Milky Way. The 76 foot Milky Way was then owned by my folks Ralph and Cornelia Collins. Derrick and I were both deckhands at the same time.
Derrick quickly established himself as a great fisherman. At the young age of 23, he skippered his first King Crab opening in the Bering Sea. An enormous undertaking for a young man, but one that Derrick handled well.
A lot happened on board the FV Cornelia Marie after Phil left. Most of it will not make it to television because of the limited time. I will write more to try and fill in the gaps. We appreciate everyone’s continued support of the Cornelia Marie family.
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July 14, 2010
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Regina Doran said:
I only became a fan of “Deadliest Catch” during the 2007 season. Unintentionally at that. DC was on TV (left on from an earlier program) when conversation between Capt. Phil and one of his boys caught my ear, so I began watching. Just like that I was hooked. In time I came to like other cast members, some more then others, but without a doubt watching Capt. Phil interact with his sons was what reeled me in. Then I got my daughter hooked, my sons etc.. Needless to say I was shocked at the news of his death. My heart just breaks for Jake and Josh. I’ve had the three of you in my prayers since his heart scare. Of course I didn’t know him, but I am still comfortable saying that Capt Phil was a truly good man tough but still caring, his love for his sons always showing through whatever mood or stance he took. I hope he knew how loved he was. You’ll never be forgotten Capt. Phil. Jake and Josh, take care of eachother, my heart aches for you and with you. The Doran Faminly
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July 14, 2010
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Lissa said:
I have watched DC sinse the first season. I started watching it with my grandfather who was a crab fisherman south of seattle. The Cornelia Marie quickly became my favorite. One of my first memories of the show was when Jake bought that t.v. I laughed so hard. I just loved to see what he would do next. I still watch old episodes. I like all the boats and all the crews but that family is and was what kept me coming back. Our Hearts have been with them since the start of Capt. Phil’s trouble. And we watched the final episode with tears in our eyes. My heart stopped every time I heard Josh say those words to Jake on the phone, in that commercial. And we will never forget the Laughs and heart stopping moments the show and all the members have brought to our lives. We Love you guys and we’ll never stop watching. Stay Safe and God Bless!!!!
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July 14, 2010
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TERESA said:
we love the show PHILand his sons were something else.and me and my husband cryed over phil its like allthe guys are our family.
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July 14, 2010
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Erica said:
Although, I am a newcomber to DC, I feel in love with the show immediately. Of all the reality shows on TV DC captures the audience with it’s intensity. Capt Phil Harris was certainly my favorite along with his sons, Josh and Jake. I felt like I lost a family member last night and it sadded my husband so much he couldn’t watch it. Phil Harris was a tribute to all and will be sorely missed by many.
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July 14, 2010
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LINDA DIESSLIN said:
WE FIND YOUR ATTEMPT TO CAPILTIZE ON PHIL’S DEATH REPUGNANT. YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE BEARING SEA FISHING FAMILIES/ OR DISCOVERY CHANNEL PORTRAYAL OF THEIR LIVES. APPARENTLY YOUR MOTHER IS A SILENT PARTNER IN THE BOAT OWNERSHIP. THAT’S IT. ATTEMPTING TO INSINUATE YOURSELF INTO THE LIVES OF THESE MEN AS SOON AS PHIL IS OUT OF THE PICTURE IS TRANSPARENTLY A MOVE FOR FAME AND MONEY BASED ON NOTHING BUT ARROGANCE. QUIT LOOKING FOR FAME FROM A TRUE TRAGEDY. NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOU. I IMAGINE YOUR ARE MAKING THINGS DIFFICULT FOR PHIL’S SONS. IF YOU AND YOUR MOTHER CANT NEGOTIATE A RESONABLE SALE OF YOUR SHARE OF THE BOAT ,THE BOYS WILL MOVE ON TO ANOTHER BOAT. YOU WILL NEVER HAVE THE FAME OR LOVE PEOPLE HAVE FOR PHIL. ANYONE LOOKING AT YOU WILL SEE A CREEPY SCHEMEING HEARTLESS WEAZEL. WE FIND YOU WORSE THAN DISQUSTING. SLITHER OFF TO WHEREVER YOU CAME FROM.
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July 14, 2010
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Gabriel and Christine Keaton said:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of everyones beloved Captain. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and collegues of Captain Phil Harris. God bless you all.
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July 14, 2010
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Rick said:
Fair winds and smooth seas Capt.Phil.
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July 14, 2010
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Christine McLaughlin said:
It’s hard to believe how tied and involved a person can be without ever having met him in person. It breaks my heart and I wish the very best for the whole family. Remember he lives in spirit and am sure he is very proud of his boys.
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July 14, 2010
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Ernest Zelnick said:
With the death of Cpt. Phil I find it hard to think about what Jake and Josh have gone through. I couldnt stand the thought of loosing my father. My heart goes out to the ENTIRE crew. Cpt. Phil had a love for all of the MEN he fished with on the ship, I can see that from watching the show. Would love to see the F/V Cornelia Marie back on Deadliest Catch as soon as possible. I know its late in coming guys but good luck and God Speed.
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July 14, 2010
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Rick New Hampshire said:
I like thousands of others feel as though we lost a friend in Capt. Phil Harris. It was really tough to watch a hulk of a man stricken down like he was. I really feel for all the family and friends of Phil. Johnathan (TB) you are a true family friend to the Harris family. I think you and Sig should help the Harris boys gain the experience they need to run the Cornelia Marie and carry on Phil’s legacy. To Josh and Jake, you both need to work on resolving your differences. You both have some deep boots to fill if you want to be the man your father was. You are both different versions of your father and would make an amazing team. And could you even imagine the smile and pride your father would have then? I wish you both the very best. RIP Mister Captain Phil Harris. You will be very much missed, you were a very loved person and will never be forgotten. I wish safety and prosperity to all seafaring fleets everywhere.
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July 14, 2010
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kenin frederick said:
i was on my way to a supercross race in las vagas a couple years ago and meet phil in the smoking room at the air port in atlanta,ga.phil was going to the supercross race also.we talked for a about racing and our harleys.(and the show)i told him i was a BIG fan,have watched the show from the start.phil will be missed,wish i got to know him better.good luck to the family and the crew.(and the rest of the fleets. (thanks) kevin frederick scarborough,me
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July 14, 2010
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Amanda Dondrea said:
I been only watching the DC this season. I became a big fan over night…Phil will be missed, Prays go out to his family and friends…GOD BLESS!!!
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July 14, 2010
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Nikki said:
I have been watching deadliest catch for as long as I can remember. I like many others got hooked on it due to capptain Phil lol. I loved his sense of humor and his love for his boys and crew. My girl mal and I sat on my couch last night crying like a baby just like the day we found out he passed away. I will never forget goin online to read the news and the first thing I seen was phils face and the word dead. I know I didn’t know him but it felt like he was just family I have never met before and I cried like a big baby. My heart goes to Josh and Jake you boys are strong and have every ounce of your father in you. I know you guys can make it through anything. I really hope you guys have continued in your fathers steps. I wish you guys the best. RIP capt. As we say in the navy fair winds and following seas hunny!
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July 14, 2010
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Trea$ure said:
Capt. Phil will be truly missed. I have been watching the show from day one. I love it. My prayers go out to his friends and loved ones. Looking forward to see how things will unfold:o
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July 14, 2010
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Luis R. Montanez said:
I’ve been a DC viewer since season 2. My uncle got me hooked! I did not needed much, I’ve been a boater since I was 6.
I’m glad that I came about this blog. You see, I TIVO all my programs and I stretch them out so when the off season comes during the summer I always have something to watch. Last night Phil’s havoc started to unveil so I instantly what into a marathon! I wanted to know what happened! I was so struck by the “news” that I didn’t think about going on-line. Regretfully the story was already written. When I woke up this morning my wife felt I was a bit on the down low. I explained what happened. I also expressed that I felt kind’a dumb about it…it’s not like Phil is my buddy right? She said that it was understandable. As I reed these entries I feel better….or normal I should say!
I guess that being reality TV…it also feels real. I guess that since this program is about hard working people making an honest buck, about family, brotherhood, etc (which is hard to find today)…viewers tend to simpatize with them.
I respect all these people for making the hardest job in the world look mildly difficult when it’s hell on earth!
My thought and prayers goes out the all and specially to Cap. Phil and his family.
fair winds and following seas…
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July 14, 2010
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Laura Klinzing Hornstra said:
Deadliest Catch will not be the same without Captain Phil and he will truly be missed. It was a very sad day when we learned Phil passed away. We have watched the show every season and love it. God bless Josh and Jake and the Harris family. We look forward to the next season and look forward to seeing the Harris boys on the Cornelia Marie.
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July 15, 2010
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Jon Elwood said:
It’s taken me two days before I wanted to come back to the C.M. website. The passing of Capt. Phil the loss to the boys as well as the crew I can relate to all too well. I lost my mother the same way, but she never came around like Phil did, the damage that she had on the left side of her brain from the stroke was too much. We had to make the decsion,after the fact that the machines were the only thing keeping her alive, to pull the plug after 7 days of testing and hoping and praying like crazy people. That was the hardest thing to do ever, seeing Phil like he was, he had a chance he could have pulled it off and made it. He just seemed to be the type, reminds me of my own father and some of the things he would do and say, the two of them could have almost been brothers. Yes my father is gone as 16 years this Oct. mom just passed the 5 year mark this march.
Josh and Jake…. Take it from me as time goes you will deal with more and more each day, you will never just up and get over it, it will be one day at a time. Remember the good times and do what you guys need to do to keep moving forward, you will have days that you go back a step or two, but allways keep going forward.
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July 15, 2010
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Cheryl said:
I got hook on DC last season and it was of Cornelia Marie Capt Phil there was a feeling that he knew what he was doing on his boat, he make his crew and the boys feel like they was loved and I know he got the love back from Josh and Jake and the rest of the crew. I heard about Captain Phil passing on the internet and I was shock I couldnt believe that a strong man as Capt. Phil was that a stroke would take him out. I love the other fleet but there was something about the Cornelia Marie. When I heard that Capt Phil had pass away I was thinking of the crew but more then anything was Josh and Jake. Im blessed to have my father still here and I dont know what its like but just know boys there is a big family out here for you and that loves you both. Please know that we are looking for to seeing you both back on the Cornelia Marie as captains of your dad’s boat, you both have big shoes to fill and I cant wait until next season. People from Tennessee are watching.
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July 15, 2010
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Chris said:
Linda, does being an idiot come naturally to you, or do you have to work at it?
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July 15, 2010
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Kim said:
Captain Phil was a great guy and has raised 2 good boys. They will survive. This episode was very hard to watch. You see your own mortality in this show Captain Phil had no regrets, lived his life fully, and was truly loved by many. Maybe we should all hope for that. My prayers and good wishes are with his family.
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July 15, 2010
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Dave Curran said:
i to love the work these brave guys do i have no clue what i would be like as i live in australia near the desert so water here is from a the murray river to see have captain phil went around every job and how he came across as a strong minded ,and willed person with a strong opinon of what and how he would like the crabs to be caught ,even from crab fart smell he and his sons,and crew were and still are fantastic to watch thanks phil for opening my eyes to the world of crabing
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July 16, 2010
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Joe B. said:
Linda Diesslin…you are a horrible person for the things you said in your message. You owe Morgan and everyone here a huge apology.
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July 16, 2010
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mary said:
Capt Phil will be missed me and my kids watched the show we were big fans. May you rest in peace Capt Phil
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July 16, 2010
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Ellen said:
Phil will b missed.My heart goes out to the boys. U guys r in my prayers. Really a tragic loss.
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July 17, 2010
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Christy Fenili said:
My heart is broken….I don’t know how I will be able to ever enjoy this show agian….you are missed….and gone far tooo soon! XO
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July 17, 2010
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Jim Harris said:
“The Deadliest Catch” and the world are not the same without Captain Phil. The more I learn about him the more I realize the loss. I wish I could have met you Captain Phil.
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July 17, 2010
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Audrey said:
I have to say last week was one of the hardest episodes to watch, I have watched since the show started and feel like I know everyone! My husband decided he need to go mow the lawn!! Til 10:00, He could not bring himself to watch. We had a Fishing Charter business on Lake Superior for 11 years and had a few experiences too. Boys, your father was sonething
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July 18, 2010
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Leota said:
I will never look at Alaskan crab again without thinking about the men who harvest them in seriously dangerous waters. Cap’n Phil and the Cornelia Marie are a special breed for sure. I will miss Cap’n Phil but I hope to see Cornelia Marie out there in the years to come. To me she will always belong to him.
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July 19, 2010
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Deborah Duffin said:
I watched D.C, from day one. I loved the show anything to do with Alaska was fine with me. But the show wasn’t about Alaska as I soon learned. It was about a team/family of guys who spend their lives at sea so we can eat a crab (my Fav. of course). The work put into getting that crab has made me appreciate it more. I loved Capt. Phil and his boys as much as my own family and cried rivers of tears when I saw the final show. I like many others thought he would make it. Especially when he said “I;m still alive right?” It just ripped at my heart. I hope Jake & Josh will work as a team now and carry on the ship tradition w/o their dad. I know it will be hard and I know he would be proud. Please do it so this Idaho/Florida woman can rest assured knowing your dad is still proud of the both of you & loves you deeply. My deepest regards, Deborah Duffin
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July 19, 2010
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Mark Butzke said:
I met Capt Phil while waiting for a plane in the Phoenix Airport three years ago, I walked up and told him how much I enjoyed the show, he offered to give me an autograph, and I accepted, then he Said “Sig is somewere around here”, then proceeded to call for him and look around until he found him and told him I wanted his autograph also. I knew I was standing in the presence of a great humble man, and couldnt beleive how many people were standing around us who didnt even recognize either of them. I feel privilaged to have met and been able to talk to Captain Phil and most of all share it with my family. He will always be remebered for all that he taught us and heled us to undertsand about life. Thanks Captain Phil, you will always be “One of the Best”
deepest Regards
The Butzke Family
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July 19, 2010
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Kendra said:
Mark – that’s really cool – and a testament to what we all saw was a great person with a great personality.
RIP Phil.
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July 19, 2010
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Beth Sith said:
May The Lord Bless all of you be safe take warmth in knowing Capt Phil is in the warmth and protection of the Grace of the Lord , Peace be with all you in the fleet ,Regards and Best wishes Smith Famiy – Calif
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July 19, 2010
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ray hilling said:
cant even really put into words how upsetting the last couple of episodes have been for me as a viewer yet alone how hard its been for those boys Jacob u will probably never see this but i struggled with those evil ass painkillers as well and honestly thought i couldnt ever break free but i did and have never been happier
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July 19, 2010
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charles hall said:
Thanks for all the wonderfull years of the DC you made the show for me i still watch the shows from the begining of it over & over till the next season begain with that said. Captain Phil, you will always be missed not only to all your fans & family but to the show its self it will never be the same without you . Captain Phil, im sure the show will go on as i know you would want. but it will never be the same show again RIP: Captain!
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July 20, 2010
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Chris said:
Both my husband and i have been fans of DC since the beginning when it was a promotional show entiteld “Deadliest Job”…only Sig was on then. Then Phil. Fell in love with Phil and the CM and crew immediately. I can’t post enough how i feel about them and hope the best for both boys. But OMG i saw some of the posts above, particularly Linda’s. It didn’t even occur to me for a second that the family of and Cornelia Marie herself were capitalizing at all on Phil’s death. I thought it was pretty harsh. In fact, i think 98% of us on here-are extreme fans, not family or personal friends thereto-how would you know what is going on financially behind the scenes? Another point i would like to make is Phil was 1/2 owner. They (Cornelia Marie) do have some claim as to the boat and, therefore, have an interest in how it is played out. It is a business. We, as fans, also have a curiousity as to following what we thought was Phil’s progress and ultimately, we saw his death. I don’t feel there was anything there that would warrant your feelings as to Cornelia Marie’s family members preying on his death and seeking fame and fortune. If you read the earliest posts after Phil’s stroke like i was following, it was Cornelia Marie’s daughter i believe keeping us all posted and i thank her and Discovery Channel for doing so. I had a natural curiouslty and would always check in to see what the boys were up to-so to find out that this had happened to Phil-who else would have reported it to us. I don’t see where they ever implied ever that they were opportunists?
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July 20, 2010
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Shireen Clawson said:
THANKS CHRIS!!! You posted my thoughts EXACTLY! I was really STUNNED when I read Linda’s comments! Seems to have some ‘Major issues’ with Life and compassion.
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July 20, 2010
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Ken said:
R.I.P phil…… and peopleplease be niceto each oher while paying tribute to phil..(linda) your words are not taken seriously so go take a good look at yourself in the mirror before you post something like that again .Phil we all love you .. although many of us never knew you..Dc will never be the same.:(
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July 20, 2010
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E Fleener said:
I know probably no one reads these but, I been watching this show since the beginning and as far as reality shows go it never seemed like that, it always felt like I was coming home to jump on the boats with the guys. Most reality shows are nothing but crap about things that didnt amount to a hill of beans. Phil was a core part of this show and it will be hard for me to watch it without the full crew. Tonites after the catch tribute to Phil was awesome to say the least. I could watch a whole season of behind the scenes with Phil and his family. Hats out to his father for raising a hard working loving father who loved life.
Thanks Morgan for all your work here on this site.
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July 21, 2010
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Tyler Olson said:
I want ajob i’ll work for free!
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July 21, 2010
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Mary Ann said:
LINDA DIESSLIN-You, my dear, are an asshole. This is a tribute to Phil!!!
Loved Him and the show. He will be truly missed.
God Bless Them ALL!
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July 21, 2010
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David Waite said:
I just wanted to say sorry for your lose and he will be deeply missed.
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July 21, 2010
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Michele said:
Like everyone else, we are big fans of DC. We have watched since the beginning.
We were all devastated by Capt. Phil’s death.Our hearts go out to the boys,the crew, and family. I was proud to see how Jonathan stayed with the boys, and Phil all through it.I knew he was that kind of guy…
I know that life is about change, and the show is old enough to start changing, but I just hate to see it coming… Phil started it. The Hillstrands retiring, Edgar possibly retiring…Josh and Jake have to stay…Who will pull all the pranks? Sig will need some help…
All of the Fleet are a part of our lives, and we look forward to each episode…
Phil will always be with us in our hearts…
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July 22, 2010
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Kathy Huffman said:
We love the show and really enjoyed Phil –thanks for the memories..you’ll always be in our heart.
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July 22, 2010
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Randi Sargent said:
I just want to say the girl who wrote in capital letters, LINDA DIESSLIN, wow that’s messed up, he’s a friend of the family and came into the picture when they needed the help.. some people man they just jump to conclusions. Josh good on you man for staying strong, I bet it’s very nice to hear all these people saying so many nice things about your father.. after watching the seasons for quite some time now I know that your father is a really amazing person.. I only wish I could have met him! I would’ve loved to chat with him about his journeys..
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July 24, 2010
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Dolores said:
God Bless all the fishermen! Capt Phil is still commanding the Cornelia Marie, just in a different place!! He lives on for-ever in our hearts!
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July 25, 2010
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LuAnn.G said:
This is for Joshua and Jake, I hope that you both will continue on the Cornelia Marie. Your Dad taught the both of you what he could in the short time that he had with you. And Jake just keep remembering the promiss that you made to your Dad before he passed away, just keep that in mind and your Dad in your heart and you can make it through anything. I can see the both of you running that Boat as Co Captains and making your Dad very proud. I don’t have to say to either one of you young men to work hard because you do a job that 95% of us out here wouldn’t be able to handle. You have a great crew to work with just continue to do your best and Remember that your Dad will always be watching over you.
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July 25, 2010
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Shawn Stamback said:
Josh and Jake we send our Condolences your family. I did not meet your father but knew him from the tv show and felt like I new him in person. I hope you boys carry on your fathers legacy and keep fishing. I lost my father while in my twenties and was a very tough thing to go through. But everyday I think of him and try to do what he would do in situations I dont know anything about. Keep your heads high and weather the storm there is light on the otherside.
Fair winds and following seas
Shawn Stamback
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July 26, 2010
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Regina Doran said:
Linda? Are you personally losing money because of this site??? Are you the official spokesperson for Jake and Josh??? If both answers are no then maybe YOU should slither off to where YOU came from. Or better yet, pick up a dictionary and learn how to frickin spell! Seriously, I’m embarrassed for you. Your posting was completely out of line. Try the Jerry Springer show with that mouth of yours. Regina
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July 27, 2010
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Athena said:
@LINDA DIESSLIN
What vile comments you made about Morgan.
Morgan has been a tremendous source of information for the fans.
This site is the OFFICIAL site of the F/V Cornelia Marie. Morgan is the appointed spokeman for the boat.
Why dont you slither off? ….
Thanks Morgan for keeping us all up to date with what was/is going on with the Harris clan and the Cornelia Marie.
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July 27, 2010
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Ray POwers said:
I have watched the show for several years . I can’t imagine what his sons must be feeling .. I lost both my mom and dad . So I kind of know what they are feeling .. I hope Jake fixes his problems and Josh keeps on living a good life .. TO both I say ” Speak of others often , but only of the good”. God bless all