Posted on April 12, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Deadliest Catch season six starts tomorrow
The new season of “Deadliest Catch” starts April 13th. This is the sixth season of DC and the fifth season in a row that the Cornelia Marie is featured. The first episode is called “Slow Burn” and will apparently feature Josh and Jake in some “sibling rivalry”.
I always enjoyed promoting the show, excited to watch the first episode of each season. This year however is different because we lost our skipper, Phil. I’m not sure how to feel in promoting the show… It’s strange and a bit surreal. I will look to you – the fans of the Cornelia Marie and Phil Harris as my guide.
I think the new promo featuring the song “rise up” is very good. The colors are muted and the video has a “paint on canvas” feel to it. Growing up fishing in Alaska – a lot of my memories have this kind of feeling to it. It does feel a bit foreboding, but maybe that’s just me.
Our boat, the F/V Cornelia Marie has suffered tremendously since the passing of Phil. In fact, even at this late date while most boats have finished fishing – the F/V Cornelia Marie continues to trudge along. As I mentioned in the last update, repairs (Reduction gear) have taking their toll on our fishing season.
These are tough times for my family and the family of Phil Harris. The television show brought much attention to Capt. Phil and his two boys. But few know about the namesake of the boat, my mother Cornelia Marie Devlin. She has stayed out of the limelight, but she deserves much credit for keeping things going year after year, despite many set backs. She will probably get mad at me for bringing attention to her through my writing, but she may be the only woman owner of a Bering Sea crab fishing boat and it hasn’t been easy. I’m proud of her succeeding in this male dominated industry.
I’m also proud of all the fishermen you don’t see on the show. Their hard and dangerous work was nearly invisible before the TV show. Now, much of the world understands just what it means to be an Alaskan fisherman.
Lastly, I’m proud of the fans of Capt. Phil & the boys and our boat. If you are readings this, I owe you a big thank you for the support you have provided since the passing of Capt. Phil. Many of you were hard-hit by the news of Capt. Phil’s passing, as if you knew him personally. I understand this – when you watch Phil on TV you are watching a real person living his life – not an actor saying memorized lines. So, if you feel sad thinking about “Deadliest Catch” without “Capt. Phil”, you are not strange and you are not alone.
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April 13, 2010
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Linda said:
I’d like to thank the original Cornelia Marie for sharing with us FV Cornelia Marie, Captain Phil and the crew. There is something about pioneering women in Alaska! Breaking the glass (or ice) ceiling. Thank you.
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April 13, 2010
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dmnyco said:
Thank you for all of your update. I have watched the show since the beginning. It will be strange tonight, watching Capt. Phil and knowing what the end of the television season will bring. Phil’s loss still weighs heavy in my heart, because he wasn’t an actor – just a man doing his job.
My thoughts and prayers are still with his family and with the family of the F/V Cornelia Marie.
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April 13, 2010
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Nikki H. said:
Thanks for the updates, I like reading them. It will be different watching the show tonight and this season.
My thoughts/prayers are with Capt. Phil’s friends and family.
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April 13, 2010
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Krisi Van Housen said:
I’ve been a fan of the show from day one and have eagerly awaited the start of each new season and this year is no exception. This year is different though. Not only am I excited to see the all of my favorites, I also dread it. I know how wierd that must sound since I didn’t know Capt. Phil,but I can’t help it. I’ll probably bawl like a baby. Prayers to all of you.
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April 13, 2010
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Renee Sutherland said:
I expect to cry all the way through the season…… and its ok…. I loved Phil.. he was my Tuesday night date….. as crazy as that sounds.. I planed my week on being here to see him and the boys…….. I have watched todays Marathon……and Phil is still…. my favorite captain…. no one can replace him……. I will of course watch Sig and Jonathan……. with great anticipation…… but it is true that the show will never be the same.
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April 13, 2010
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juan vega said:
THANK YOU CAPT PHIL! YOU’LL BE MISSED!YES IS LIKE WE KNEW HIM! I WAS SURPRISED ABOUT PHIL’S PASSING I TOLD MY BROTHER AND WANTED A PIECE OF MEMORY OF CORNELIA MARIE AND PHIL! SO I ORDERED A SHIRT!! O GET THE CRABS FROM PHIL! JOSH, JAKE,KEEP THE LEGACY RUNNING, I KNOW IS NOT AN EASY TASK BUT I KNOW AND A LOT OF VIEWERS KNOW YOU CAN DO IT! BE STRONG!! REMEMBER YOUR DAD IS GUIDING YOU! ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE!
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April 13, 2010
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Pat Messenger said:
I will watch season 6 with a heavy heart,but with a prayers of thanks to Josh and Jake for sharing their Dad and to the real Cornelia Marie for sharing her boat and her love of Phil and his boys. May God bless all involved in Deadliest Catch and watch over evryone.
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April 13, 2010
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ray nasworthy said:
i have waqtched the show every year and i feel like i know these people and they always present a thjrilling show we will all miss capt. phil i was very sad to hear of his passing we will miss him greatly thank you capt, phil. i beleive his swons will do great also and will be pulling for them.
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April 13, 2010
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Linda from Dallas said:
Thanks for the update Morgan. I think we forget how hard this must be on all who knew Cap’n Phil personally. In everything I have read, Phil was always was just who he was 24/7. I think that is why we feel we know him. I can’t imagine what it’s like for Josh and Jake if they are watching the season too. Incredibly heart rending to think about. My prayers are with you all.
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April 13, 2010
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Al Calderwood said:
Thank you sir and a special thanks to Cpt. Phil he let us all know the life he led and how fragile we all are. My prayers go out to his son’s and all of the Cornelis Marie family. God bless you all.
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April 13, 2010
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Czone said:
dose the Cornelia Marie boat go under water? it look like it on TV.
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April 13, 2010
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Mike Gaydos said:
God Bless Jake and Josh your Dad will be always by your side.Thank you,for making your jouney part of mine.
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April 13, 2010
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barbara said:
does anyone know if phils two sons will continue to fish?
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April 13, 2010
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David said:
I’m from Bayou Labatre, Al. where the Cornelia Marie was built, and a long-time Fan of the Show from the begining. It just won’t be the Same without Captain Phil. He was a Hell of a Man, God bless HIm. Seeing Him tonight on the Show, I felt like I had lost a old Friend. God Bless the Harris Family. Good Fishing, and Smooth Seas, Captain Phil..
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April 14, 2010
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Joanie said:
Morgan, please know that my prayers have been with you, your family, and the Harris family. Thank you for providing updates when I’m sure it has been difficult for you to do so. It’s my sincerest hope that your mom is able to continue many years of successful fishing.
I don’t know when I’ll finally be able to catch any of the episodes this season, but I know it’ll be surreal.
Thank you. Sincerely, thank you. And God bless.
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April 14, 2010
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Sara S said:
I grew up in Seattle, surrounded by professional fishermen. Several family friends knew Phil and his boys personally and professionally, and it was a very hard time learning about his death.
My heart goes out to his family, crew, and friends for staying strong and continuing to do things the hard way – the only way a real fishermen knows.
And the only way Phil would have it.
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April 14, 2010
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Jay Chladek said:
It is certainly going to be an interesting season watching this, knowing what happened. The new opening credit scene was interesting with the Cornelia Marie crew focusing on Josh and Jake, then Phil. But the next still frame with Sig and others near a stone cross and then the pull into Phil’s eye makes me tear up a little.
It seems all we are left with when somebody passes are the memories. I am glad the Cornelia Marie crew gave the rest of us a chance to share in Captain Phil’s memories with the show. He will be missed, but his spirit won’t be gone. Thank you.
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April 14, 2010
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Jen & Ed said:
It’s surreal watching the show and knowing that Capt. Phil is not there anymore!!! We kind of don’t want to believe it….But, we’ve always been fans and will continue to be fans of Capt. Phil and the Cornelia Marie!!! Best wishes to the crew and his boys…
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April 14, 2010
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JD said:
Oh, the gallant fisher’s life, It is the best of any ‘Tis full of pleasure, void of strife, And ’tis beloved of many.
Author: John Chalkhill
My prayers go out to Phil’s Family
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April 14, 2010
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Jenny said:
The first sight of Captain Phil’s face brought tears to my eyes. I had to put his passing out of my mind to be able to watch last night’s show.
I would love to think that there will be a special show this season devoted just to Phil. I know that I’m asking a lot but I think it would be a wonderful gift for Captain Phil’s fans. It’s hard to explain the feelings of grief that so many of us are feeling still.
Captain Phil was a real person, not an actor. He could have been the guy that lived next door for years. There is an attachment to him that you just can’t explain or at least I can’t. In his gruff and to the point personality he won us over in a huge way.
I hope that Josh and Jake carry on their father’s legacy if that is what they want in life. If they are on the next season it will be a piece of Captain Phil still with us.
My thoughts and prayers still go out to Phil’s family and the crew of the Cornelia Marie.
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April 14, 2010
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Diana Juarez said:
It was strange to see the show, but also very heart warming in a sad way. I still tear up when I see Captain Phil with Jake and Josh. Our hearts go out to them and everyone on that boat. God Bless.
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April 14, 2010
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Marc & Chrissi from Chicago said:
We know there’s a difference in time between the show & real life, but we’ve been worried about Josh & Jake. It’s weird not to even know them but still worry about them but we do. Do they have family other than the fishing family to help them get through this?
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April 14, 2010
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Helen G. said:
After watching lastnights premier of Deadliest Catch, and finding it all a bit surreal, I just wanted to pass this thought along….
Captain Phil did what EVERY parent hopes to achieve in their lifetime. He raised two beautiful, respectful, and hard working young men. Watching the Harris boys grow has been a joy to my hubs and I, and we can only hope that our 15 month old son someday becomes the man these kids were to their dad. To hell w/ their banter, and sib rivalry, they are great brothers to each other, and sons to a now passed father.
The Harris boys are now rudderless, yet we will surely see them continue to grow now in new ways. Ways that they never knew they had in them. Losing a parent is bewildering, having lost my mom nearly three years ago, and you NEVER go on w/ life having the same confidence as when there was always that dominent role around to pick you up when you fall. They’ll get the “I gotta tell Dad this” moments, which come quicker than the realization that Dad’s not around. But, they will prosper in new ways. Forced into new things is never fun, but a fact of life.
So….Morgan, thank you for your words, and if you can, pass mine along. Let everyone know involved that we mourn along with those close, and all across the world. But, we’ll all grow from it.
Adios.
Sorry too, my spelling is crap
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April 14, 2010
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Tracy said:
Morgan,
It is “strange and surreal” to watch the show without Phil. It has been reported that through it all, Phil told the cameras to keep rolling. It’s important to me to remember that this was what he wanted. It takes away some of the weirdness, knowing he was up for us all watching his life. I admire so much what all of you guys do, and can’t help but want to watch; for the danger, for the humor, for the exhilaration, and for the bonds that exist amongst the crews and captains. I married a man that works so hard and so tough that he puts normal men to shame. I thought he was an anomaly. But now I know that the others like him are all in Alaska in the crab boats! God Bless Phil and his boys, and all of the crabbers out there!
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April 14, 2010
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Michele McNamara said:
The show was touching yet surreal. God bless you all on the Cornelia Marie. Remembering Captain Phil and watching is difficult and at the same time adding to the many memories of that wonderful man.God bless and protect you all.
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April 15, 2010
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Jeanette Ohl said:
Morgan thank you so much for the emails & updates! It is nice to know some of the history of the boat and all of the people who have worked so hard to make the boat loved and a success! I cried the first time that I saw Captain Phil this season. I have been watching since day one and it is hard knowing that he will not be fishing and on the Cornelia Marie. I do not know the members of the Cornelia Marie personally but I feel for the family and crew. I don’t know what the outcome will be strange to watch this season. However, I know, that Jake and Josh will become closer than what they already are and be able to have a better working relationship with each other. I will be thinking of them, the family and the crew often!
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April 15, 2010
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Justin said:
Very saddened to hear of Capt Phils passing – I am sitting here watching the first ep from Australia and I thought I’d check the Cornelia Marie website. He was a good man taken too early – RIP mate.
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April 15, 2010
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Carson said:
it so sad to see Phil there now that i know he has passed! It wont be the same without him! Also though it was interesting to see Johnathan and Keith in an argument….. it will definately be an interesting season
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April 15, 2010
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Renee Sutherland said:
Ohil was full of surprises.. I can’t believe he traded Jake for Jake….. I found this sad knowinf this was Phils lst trip out that he didn’t have both of his son’s by his side during the last of his time…… However…. it certainly made for a fantastic show…..
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April 15, 2010
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Joy Cadiz said:
I was really sad to see Jake Harris in Northwestern. Hope he will be back in CM before the show ends. I really like seeing josh and jake on the show, i hope they’ll continue what their dad started. I am a big fan of CM. Thank you.
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April 16, 2010
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Melinda Jo Gray said:
Thank you Morgan. GOD Bless you for being steady through all this saddness. I am not sure I will be able to watch the first show. But I am still, and will always be a fan.
For you, your mother, Josh and Jake, and all of the crew, May GOD Bless and keep you.
Melinda Acton, CA.
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April 16, 2010
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JD Carpenter said:
I wish I could explain – or figure out – why Phil’s passing has had such an impact on me. Not a week has gone by that I haven’t checked this site – looking for news – looking for something – anything. Closure perhaps? I don’t know.
Phil’s struggles were the same we all face, deep down. Facing life and trying to deal with everything that is so very much beyond our control. Phil embodied “everyman.” Phil was “real.”
Phil was very smart about life. He had a tremendous sense of humor, which kept up entertained. But I think I saw enough of Phil to know that the one thing he had was integrity. And THAT is more rare than people think.
I had a horrible time watching the season opener – and I know it will get harder as the weeks go by. Credit to Discovery for doing such a classy opener. They didn’t really single Phil out, but you could tell in the opening that…well…it was about Phil. As well it should be.
Morgan, there are a legion of fans out here who never post (I was one of them until this evening) who hang on your every word. Please keep us up to date on what’s going on. Through the show, we feel you are part of our families and we all feel a sense of mourning as well.
As everyone else has done, pass our love along to the family and crew and especially the boys. I worry about them because Phil left at such a critical point in their development.
We will continue to say prayers for you guys. God be with you and cover you with His peace.
J.D. in West Virginia
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April 16, 2010
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sheryl said:
watching the season premiere on tuesday seemed almost surreal. i couldn’t help but tear up whenever phil and the cornelia marie was shown knowing that in only a few short weeks we would be coming upon his death as the fishing season progresses. i have been a fan since the beginning and will continue as till the end. RIP Capt. Phil. U will b missed deeply and i’m sure your presence will always be felt out there as the cornelia marie and it’s crew continue fishing.
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April 16, 2010
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Paula said:
I watched Larry King Live Wednesday night with the other sea captains and it was strange not seeing Phil there with them. Johnathan mentioned that he spent ten days at the hospital and was able to say goodbye. They all look very sad about Phil’s passing and Johnathan and Andy said that even though he was only a few years older than them they thought of Phil like a dad. It was kind of nice to see that they all seem to care about each other.
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April 17, 2010
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Lisa said:
Capt. Phil’s passing earlier this year is a true loss. I only “got to know” him shortly before Christmas whilst I was laid up in ICU isolation with a bipap machine doing the vast majority of my breathing. I was blessed to chance upon a Deadliest Catch marathon on television. Capt Phil & the crew of the Cornelia Marie quickly be came the “team” I was rooting for and engaged my attention completely so the rest of me could go about healing without anxiety.
May Capt. Phil’s memory remain eternal.
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April 18, 2010
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Lissa said:
I don’t care if your mom gets mad, Morgan, because she deserves to have some appreciation for all she’s done. It takes a strong woman to survive in an industry that’s run by the boys. I hope that with everything that has happened this season, the CM will be on the crab and will continue fishing even if we don’t get to see it on TV anymore. It will be a hard season to watch and my prayers continue to go out on behalf of the crew and the Harris family. Keep strong Josh and Jake! And you too, Cornelia Marie.
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April 18, 2010
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Renee Sutherland said:
Morgan…. I know absolutely nothing about Phils family beyond Josh and Jake……. are you another son? I think Cornilia Marie was his wife at one time and Josh and Jakes mother… would love to know more….. I guess the show has made my desire to know the family better … we all felt so close to Phil , but in reality…. we only knew a small part of him.
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April 18, 2010
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Jacquie Crowther said:
I was so proud yet saddened with the action Captain Phil took to help Jake realize what real life is. Saddened because we know that it was one of the last acts Daddy Phil Harris took to try to “get to Jake”, but proud because none of us know what the future will bring and he was willing to gamble even though he knew his health was precarious. We can’t be held hostage by our health and he continued to be a great parent to the end.
I think that both Josh and Jake will be able to make a life fishing with the knowledge their father blessed them with.
Captain Phil Harris you were one of a kind and know you were loved by many people in this world.
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April 19, 2010
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caroline griffin said:
just to let u know that we did 10 hrs of crab fishing yesterday from our couch with ur show and had a chance to meet most captains including Phil. He appeared to be a very loving dad to both boys. Our prayers r with u and ur sons at this time . we love the men that risk their lives for their love of their jobs.I cried when i watched the deadliest catch when Jake lost his sister and when the 3 crew members got hurt with broken ribs and black eyes. Thank u for giving us real reality show
God Bless and keep u all safe while at sea!!
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April 19, 2010
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Maureen said:
Morgan,
We miss Phil and always will. However, we love all of you and wish the crew and all the behind the scene CM people the best. Congrats to your Mother she is amazing. As for what to write, just follow your heart and be true to your standards. It is always the best way to go !!!! Keep up the good work.
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April 20, 2010
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kitti said:
i fell to the floor when i heard the news my favorite boat my funny captain phil and my favorite brothers jake and josh how could this happen i lost my dad at the same age.his memory will carry on and i hope josh and jake keep the family tradition alive sooner or later how could i watch my favorite show w/out them .knowing how it feels to loose your dad so young your ali i hope they find peace one day and know just a fan from chicago that has been planning to come up there one year just to see the boats i hope i will see you in dock and phil you are loved and never forgotten and you raised two great boys i wish i was as grounded as them …kitti
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April 20, 2010
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Harley Robinson said:
Just finished watching the season opener, amazing show. I raised a few glasses of Scotch in honour of Captian Phil, the men on the Cornelia Marie and all the other Captians and their crews.
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April 21, 2010
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whispy said:
I’ve only watched then series the last 3 years but I totally love it Alll the captains are great and I appreciate your running09 I missed all of this
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May 15, 2010
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alper said:
great job , great show .I have been working in extereme jobs for few years .but this is my dream job .ı should get a green card first buy a flight ticket to AK. second ,beg of the captains for being a part of the crew. I guess.