Posted on March 12, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Cornelia Marie and Capt. Phil Update
The F/V Cornelia Marie has been out of commission since the middle of February with a replacement of our “reduction gear” needed. This has been a costly and burdensome repair. The entire crew has been off since Capt. Phil’s memorial on February 21st.
Finally, the crew is headed back to Alaska to finish up the long Opilio season. We still have a couple of trips left to meet our crab quota. Unfortunately, most of Alaska, including Dutch Harbor is experiencing a late winter storm with blowing snow and freezing temperatures.
Despite the icy conditions, the Cornelia Marie is anxious to get back to work. The crew consists of Derrick Ray as skipper, Steve Ward as Engineer, deck boss Freddie Maugatai and deck hand Ryan Simpson. We will be hiring another fisherman from Dutch Harbor to help out while the boys are away. Josh and Jake are dealing with their father’s affairs and it is unknown if they will return to finish the season.
Tomorrow, Captain Harry Lewis from the F/V Incentive will be talking on the (internet) radio about Capt. Phil. Capt. Harry was a great friend of Phil’s and wanted to express his thoughts and share some fond memories. Tune in March 13, 2010 at 3 PM Eastern time at http://www.mhbradio.com.
The passing of Capt. Phil continues to weigh heavy on our minds. We are always grateful to everyone who emails. We do read them all.
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March 13, 2010
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Marsha said:
Thank you for keeping all of this information so current for everyone. It cannot be an easy task at this time, but you have been great.
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March 13, 2010
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Beth said:
I also appreciate all the updates. I wish the crew a safe trip on finishing the season.
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March 13, 2010
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Corrine Graves said:
thank you so much Morgan for this .. i cannot imagine how hard this has been for your family … all the best to yous and to the Harris Family at this time … you are all strong and will make it thru .. know you have the thoughts and prayers of many … Corix
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March 13, 2010
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Alma said:
Thank you for always keeping us posted. We really appreciate it and I wish everyone out fishing right returns safely. All best to you and the Harris Family.
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March 13, 2010
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calvin said:
i know your dad will be with you at sea…have a safe trip
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March 13, 2010
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Ron Williams said:
Five of Captain Phils friends and long time fishing partners gathered together to honor their friend. Present were Captains Rick Quashnick (F/V Maverick) Derrick Ray (new captain of F/V Cornelia Marie) Harry Lewis (F/V Incentive)David Lethin (F/V Aleutian Ballad) and Jim Wilson. This tribute DVD is awesome and will soon be available. Pre-order your copy at dvd@commercialfishermensfestival.com proceeds help fund the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and it’s signature event, The Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition.
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March 13, 2010
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Lin Richardson said:
Morgan: Thanks for the update. It must be hard on the crew to fish so soon after loosing Phil – they seemed to work so well together and it can’t be easy for Capt. Derrick to fill in the middle of a season. But fishing must go on and there is an opie quota to fill. The CM is a working F/V and it needs to be fishing. Can you answer a technical question? What is the reduction gear? Thanx, Lin
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March 13, 2010
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Lindy Knapp said:
I really hope things go easier for your family. Capt Phil’s loss was such a hard punch in the gut for my family and we have looked forward to all updates just so we might feel like we are grieving with you. My 2 year old doesn’t understand yet why she won’t see he teddy bear captain anymore. It’s so hard to explain to her at that age. Here in Virginia we are praying and pulling for your families. God bless Captain Phil and the wonderful crew and families.
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March 13, 2010
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David Doherty said:
Deadliest catch is a brilliant show and phil was just a really nice dad and boss josh and jake are really good sons and a credit to their parents rip phil and god bless josh and jake good luck to the crews of the fishing vessels of the berrings sea cheers
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March 13, 2010
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Joyce Hejl said:
Thank you Morgan for the update, when it rains it pours for the Cornelia Marie and the crew. Just hang in there guys, you can do it.
Love you guys.
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March 14, 2010
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Fieneke said:
Thank you very much Morgan for all the updates, I am glad that I get information through this website, because we don’t get any news in the Netherlands.
As usual life will go on, but Phil sure will always be missed by his sons, his crew, family, friends and also by all his fans around the world. I wish the crew a good crab season and hope they will get their quota and return safe.
Josh and Jake, you are wonderful guys and your dad was proud of you both and he had a reason for that. Take time to cope / deal with the loss of your dad and try to give it a place. So many things happened in such a short time! You both are still in my thoughts!
Regards Fieneke from the Netherlands
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March 15, 2010
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Sean Little said:
I have never been to Alaska. I have never seen the Bearing sea. I have never been on, nor seen, a crab boat. I have never met Captain Phil, but like so many others, I feel like I have been to Alaska, been on the Bearing sea, and fished it on the C.M. The world was so fortunate to have had Captain Phil, via the show, to show us his trade. I will never forget some of his best, or should I say “Phil”, moments, such as the “Who said you could talk?” rant, or the “Fart Bubbles”, or so many others. It sounds so cliche, and has been said millions of times, but my heart is broken from this, and I wish nothing more than for everyone that knew captain Phil, in any form, to keep remembering him, and not let his legacy die too.
To Josh and Jake- They say that time heals all wounds, and while that may be true, there are scars that get left. Those scars can be good. Use them as a reminder of what your father was, and who he tried to be. Remember his strength, his fight, his passion, his courage, and his love, and he will always be with you. His legacy will continue on thru you.
To Captain Phil Harris- I want to say Thank You. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world. Thank you for sharing what you do. Thank you for making us laugh. Thank you for making us smile. Thank you for showing us your passion. Most importantly, Thank you for being you. You will be missed by millions, and will continue to be loved by those same millions.
We all love you!
Sean-Cambridge, MN
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March 15, 2010
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Chris P. said:
It’s been a month since Captain Phil’s passing and I still can’t believe he’s gone.
Phil was an awesome guy and I only wish that I’d had a chance to ride our Harley’s together, drink a beer and have him tell me stories of life on the sea.
Phil – may the road rise up to meet you and may the wind always be at your back.
To Jake and Josh, I know the pain of losing a beloved father when it’s unexpected. Time will lesson your pain and you will find blue skies again.
Your dad was a wonderful man who was adored and will be missed by millions around the world. Know that you are not grieving alone. We all grieve with you.
I MISS YOU PHIL!!!!!
Forever your riding buddy,
Chrisie from Pulaski, WI
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March 15, 2010
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Firestar said:
Reading all these posts makes my eyes blur with tears all over again that Capt.Phill is gone and I am crying over the loss of someone I have never met or spoken to.What an AWESOME MAN to have had such an effect on so many lives around the world. I know boys you have heard it so many times over the last few months but I am going to say it again I AM GOING TO MISS HIM SO VERY MUCH. I can’t imagine the depth of your loss as his children. Love and prayers to all of you family friends and crew. May God watch over you always
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March 16, 2010
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Cheri said:
My heart still hurts & I still keep praying for Josh and Jake to get through this with the strength & courage shown by their Father so many times. Morgan, thank you for the updates, you are a treasure & a dear friend to us all. God bless you all & hugs from the Central Coast. Cheri
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March 16, 2010
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Ron said:
I have followed the show Deadliest Catch since it started. After the first show I was hooked on watching it. Hearing about the loss of Captain Phil was devestating. He was a great man to watch. Not working on the boats I learned a great deal from him just by watching him and how he handled the whole operation. He had a way to handle stress in a stressful place. I respect the way he controlled the boat, and the crew. He was firm, but fair that is how to get the job done by a great Captain. I enjoyed watching the big guy since the show started, and I will miss watching Captain Phil at the wheel.
To the Family
My heart goes out to you on your loss. The world lost a Great Man that was one in a million. I will never forget him.
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March 17, 2010
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Lissa said:
Keep safe out there, crew!
I continue to keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your heads up Josh and Jake! Can’t believe it’s been a month…wow.
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March 17, 2010
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earl said:
Jake, no one can replace the hole you are feeling, and certainly not alcohol or drug. Ask your self what would my dad do…not that I know him but I’d guess he’d say “get your sh it together.”
Most of us who lost our fathers never worked with them or have hours of film. You have memories most of us will never have. Don’t waste your life away by doing stupid things…get help, stop drinking, don’t be stupid.
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March 17, 2010
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Deborah said:
Morgan – Thanks so much for keeping all of us posted. Here is hoping that the CM is back in the fishing business very soon.
I would also like to acknowledge Sean Little’s posting from Monday. Thanks for capturing the tone and saying just what I would have liked to say. I hope that Captain Phil knew how many lives he and his crew had touched. It will not be the same and he will be missed.
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March 21, 2010
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Ben Souza said:
I just want to thank you all so much for having DC aired on Sunday 3/21/2010
I watched it all day. It made me cry to see Phil, but it was so good to see him.
My Best wishes to the Boys, and all the family. Thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us.
Regards
Ben Souza
Arizona
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March 27, 2010
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Linda said:
Have been watching a marathon of Deadliest Catch shows today and am looking forward to the new season to start in 3 weeks. We’ve enjoyed the show for several years now and were really saddened about Phil’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers continue for Phil’s family and friends, and we hope Jake and Josh will again be on the show. On a lighter note, when we were in Alaska 1 1/2 years ago, we were delighted to see (and wave at) the Cornelia Marie passing by the cruise ship we were on–truly an unexpected thrill.
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April 3, 2010
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émilie boudreau said:
je vous trouve courageux
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April 4, 2010
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Arlene said:
I was aware of Phil’s passing in Feb. and felt as if someone I knew had died. We’ve been watching the show since the beginning and the Cornelia Marie with Phil and his sons are always our favorites. He had a way of reaching through the TV and getting to you. May the Lord bless you Phil Harris, I’m sure you’re in a better place, and may the Lord look out after his family and bring them comfort.
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April 5, 2010
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Roberta Dunn said:
My greatest concern for Josh and Jake is that they may not allow themselves to grieve. It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be angry…it’s okay to do whatever you need to do(not self-destructive, though). My prayers are with them. All of the support from fans and friends is great, but hopefully the show won’t be a hindrence to their emotional recovery. God gives everyone wisdom in this matter.
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April 5, 2010
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Nick said:
It is nice to read about the whole situation. When i heard the news back than it hit us pretty hard. Although we did not know Phil personal, we have been watching and following “deadliest catch” since season 1.
Best wishes for the family and Jake and Josh on the boat.
I wish you guys all the best and safe fishing in the future!
Best regards from The Netherlands.
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April 7, 2010
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Tyler Kramer said:
Watching some deadliest catch reruns on discovery and its tough to think that phil’s really gone..Captain Phil was always my favorite and I couldn’t wait to see more of him and his crew..
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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April 7, 2010
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Vernon Anthony said:
To work as long as he did in thisver difficult trade is amazing in itself. I will miss seeing him on Deadliest Catch.To the sons, your dad said you were both ready to continue on and I for one would like to see you do that.
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April 12, 2010
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Laura said:
Best of Luck & Stay Safe !
My your pots be full of opi gold.
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April 12, 2010
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June Zimmerle said:
Josh and Jake,
You had a real cool dad who loved you both very much. Make him proud of you in whatever future endeavors you persue. We will all miss him. He brought smiles to all his television family (fans) and we are all richer for having known him. God Bless and keep you both.
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April 12, 2010
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Teresa Frost said:
Thank You Morgan for keeping us up to date. Phil is deeply missed by all of us. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers!
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April 13, 2010
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Aaron said:
I’m sad to hear about capt. phill… my prayers are with u all. feels like it was just yesterday that i saw him in las vegas hitting tha black jack tables at the gold coast casino!
I wish I woulda went up and told him how much I admire him then!!!!!
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April 13, 2010
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Aaron said:
and if you guys need someone to help out on the next season, i’m a HARD ASS worker. let me know! here’s my email
( grillz1022@gmail.com ) it would be an honor….
sincerely, Aaron Blackburn
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April 13, 2010
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matt crisafi & family said:
dear boys,
our thoughts and prayers go out to you all through your times of trial. there is no way to tell anyone how to deal with the pain other than to believe our loved ones pass on to a better place pain free..that we can be sure..take care guys and to all who Mr Phill Harris has touched.thanks for the experience.
Matthew Crisafi,Kellie Crisafi , Matthew Crisafi Jr.,Raven Crisafi
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April 13, 2010
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Anne Holtschult said:
My sympathies to Jake, Josh and family.
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April 13, 2010
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Anne Holtschult said:
For this season: go get em guys! Be careful. Love, Anne
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April 13, 2010
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Michael L.Jennings said:
Love the show. Capt Phil is my favorite Capt.Especially with interactions with his sons. Truly a family show of hard living, hard work, great rewards with true American spirit.Sorry for your loss as he was still very young.
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April 13, 2010
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John Plesha sr. said:
Hello, I just wanted to say I’ve enjoyed watching the show and have immense respect for what you guys have to deal with to make a buck. I’m very sorry for your loss & will pray for the Harris family and friends and also for the brave souls who perished at sea. Take care & God Bless you all. PEACE. Sincerely,
John R. Plesha Sr.
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April 13, 2010
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Rebecca said:
thank you so much for keeping everything updated for us. i watched tonight’s new season. I am a big fan of the Harris family, may God Bless them and watch over them. My thoughts and prayers go out for the family.
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April 13, 2010
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Shay said:
All that love this show will feel the incredable loss of Capt. Phil. Although the show will always be our favorite I found it hard to hold back the tears even through the funny and intense moments. Crazy how they seem to be a part of our family. I have deep sympathy for his boys. We will understand if they do not return but they will be missed as much as their father!
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April 13, 2010
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Kevin said:
Capt. Phil, May the skys be blue, the seas calm and your pots full. You are the only Captain I would ever want to work for if I did this job. God Bless you and your family. R.I.P.
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April 14, 2010
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Bobbi Villatoro & Family said:
My thoughts & prayers go out to Capt. Phil’s sons, his family and crew. It’s surreal to see him on T.V. and yet know he’s cross over to the Spirit World. As a Native American, we believe his spirit is in a good place and he will forever protect his sons. We love the show and yes, Capt. Phil was a favorite of ours. It’s truly amazing how one person’s life can become part of your family’s, even though we never truly interact with one another. I pray that those who were close to Phil can gently move forward and fulfill some of the Captain’s last orders. It would be nice to see his sons continue fishing in their father’s shoes, but it’s notably understandable if they wish to let go and pursue other goals. Our blessings go out to all of the fishing vessel crews as they continue to work for the livelihood. bmv
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April 14, 2010
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mark said:
I enjoy(ed) watching the show with my 9 year old son. He loves updating me when i get busy with work. He now lives some distance away from me with his mom and he has called me twice crying about the show. Once to tell me of Phils passing and the other to tell me to watch Phil on his last season. The crews on DC are heroes to us all regardless of their social gripes. Phil was a good father and my son saw that in him. I thank him for showing that to him. Bless your soul and thank you for teaching me as well Phil. Know i shared those tears with my son. Keep on fishing DC we love you guys.
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April 14, 2010
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Tracy Kyle said:
I am so sad at the passing of Captain Phil. My 4 year old son just loved Captain Phil. When i had to tell him of Captain Phil’s passing, he just looked at me and ask when he would be back, after I explained he said, He is an angel now. How true, we love ya Captain Phil.
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April 14, 2010
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David said:
It was surreal watching last nights episode, I have watched this show from the beginning and knowing whats going to happen brought out emotions in me I thought i didn’t possess. Capt. Phil has also been my favorite since the first show,I always pulled for him to do get the most “crab count”. It will be hard for my girlfriend and I to watch after this season. We watch very few shows together, but this was one of them. I’m 47 yrs. old and I literally cried when I heard the news. We will pray for the family and know that Phil is fishing with God now.
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April 14, 2010
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deborah said:
Sorry to hear that Phil had died,My husband and I watched all the time,I don’t watch a lot of TV but I always waited for the season to begin, and Phil was my favorite, you could tell he loved his boys, rough around the edges, he was but thats what it took to get the job done, my prayers are with the boys and family of Phil, may GOD BLESS YOU
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April 14, 2010
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Dawn Darrah said:
So Sorry to hear about Captain Phil, he was my favorite!!!!
Josh and Jake my thoughts and prayers go out to both of you and your family… Your dad will be missed by all of us!!!I watched the first show last nite and to see Phil, just made me cry, but he is in a better place right now, with all the Angels!!!!God Bless!!!
Dawn
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April 14, 2010
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Louis said:
We will miss Captin Phil we all feel like we knew him because he was such a great guy on the show. I am happy that we still have a few shows to watch with him at the helm.
Jake and Josh be very proud to have had a father like him. You are both very smart men so I know you guys will make the right decision on where to go from here with your life. Would love to see you both back on the C.M. Its going to be a long road but the pain will ease up a little each day. Kepping you guys and your family in my thoughts.
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April 15, 2010
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Sharron Wilder said:
Thanks for keeping us up on Capt. Phil’s family. Was he married? I don’t think I ever saw that addressed.Thanks.
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April 15, 2010
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Donielle Stober said:
Thank you for keeping the updates going. It was a very sad hour watching the first episode of the season. Capt. Phil will be greatly missed. He was both my and my father’s favorite person on the show. To Jake and Josh…, I lost my dad on Feb. 26, 2010. He was a life long tugboat captain in Mobile, Al which is about a 30 min drive from Bayou LaBatre (where the F/V Cornelia Marie was built).I grew up on the boat with him. He was born in Ketchikan. I was lucky enough to go w/him to Seattle and drive to Ak last year. The show reminds me of how beautiful it is up there. I miss him every day! Keep your heads up. Your dad is and will always be proud of you, you can see it when he looks at you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Drop me a line if you like…
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April 15, 2010
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Mike Breck said:
I have just been watching the season 6 opener of DC. Watching Phil sending his son to fish on another boat has hit me when I least expected it. My youngest son from my 1st marriage is in the Army and left yesterday for Kuwait. My daughter, who is also in the Army leaves on the 30th of April. If Phil and his boys could only have foreseen what was to come, perhaps things would have been different. I know he trusted Sig. I trust my children and their training. I can only hope that all of our children, those on the Bering Sea and those serving our country will return home to us safe and in one piece. I miss Phil and I wish the crew the best of luck and safe sailing, and to Josh and Jake, Love each other always and put aside your petty disputes. To all those who fish, may the wind be at your back, a fresh breeze in your face, and may all your pots be filled with keepers. Mike Breck