Posted on July 14, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Deadliest Catch’s Farewell to Capt. Phil
- Capt. Phil and his sons Jake and Josh
Discovery Channel and Original Productions handled the passing of our Capt. Phil Harris with compassion and respect. The show never wavered too far from their established format, look and feel. I’ve read some great articles on how the Deadliest Catch surpasses all other reality shows. You can read one here and here.
But, more importantly how does Phil’s family feel about how the show’s been edited this season? Josh gave this answer when asked by Entertainment Weekly:
I think they have done a wonderful job, I’m actually kind of shocked. / The old man wanted to go out big. The only different way he had in mind was to be 70 years old, popping about 50 Viagras and having a 21-year-old Vegas hooker. That was the original way he wanted to go. But I think this way will suffice for him.
And how did Josh feel about watching the scene where his dad says he loves him?
That f—ed me up a little bit. It’s a process, I’m working through it. He was pissed. He thought he was a failure and that he f—ed up. That irritated me so much. He’s such a good guy, and he had such a big heart. To be in the last moments of your life and think you are a failure, just broke my heart. It absolutely crushed me because he wasn’t a failure at all. He produced two good kids and did the best job he could with the cards he was dealt. We weren’t born rich. Everything we’ve got, we earned. It’s not like Discovery has handed us a house full of money. I think I got $1,000 and a fruit basket that I have never seen. They say they sent it!
Here is the schedule for the rest of the season (via Deadliest Reports)
DEADLIEST CATCH: Episode 15 – Tuesday, July 20 at 9PM ET/PT
The news of Phil’S death reaches the rest of the fleet. Captains Keith, Johnathan, Andy and Sig all struggle to come to terms with their friend and colleague’s passing.
CAPTAIN PHIL HARRIS REMEMBERED – Tuesday, July 20 at 10PM ET/PT
A special one-hour look back at the life of Captain Phil Harris, skipper of Cornelia Marie. The special includes interviews with fellow captains and deckhands, memorable “Phil moments” from the past six seasons of DEADLIEST CATCH, never-before-seen footage from behind the scenes and fan remembrances recorded at CatchCon 2010 and Phil’s public memorial service in Seattle.
DEADLIEST CATCH: Episode 16 – Tuesday, July 27 at 9PM ET/PT
On the finale of the sixth season of DEADLIEST CATCH, the fleet is still absorbing the news about Phil. But the stormy waters of the Bering Sea never take a break, and the Captains and the crew must soldier on in the race to make their quotas, as the Opilio season comes to an end.
BEHIND THE SCENES–Sunday July 25th at 10pm ET/PT
A Deadliest Catch cameraman faces every grueling hour with his subjects. In this behind the scenes special, one cameraman battles life-threatening seasickness, while another is forced to produce the story of his life.
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July 19, 2010
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Timmy said:
Josh & Jake, I can only imagine how hard it must be for you to lose your father so unexpectedly. It hit me hard and I only “know” him through the show. One of my standby lines was that if I got fired, I’d love to go be a greenhorn on the Cornelia Marie.
Please don’t lose sight of the fact that your dad is loved by millions around the world. I hope it brings you some comfort.
We’re all pulling for you and know you’ll be able to continue his legacy and make him proud. He already was so proud of you.
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July 19, 2010
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Patrick said:
josh and jake,
I lost my Dad in 1996 and we worked together too. The only advise i can give is that with time the pain fades but you will always miss him. Just remember what he taught you and that he will be watching you.
AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF EAT RIGHT STOP SMOKING CUT BACK ON THE PARTING. I know your dad does not want what happened to him happen to you guys. My preyers are with you and your family.
Your dad was the coolest dude on the show
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July 19, 2010
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jose said:
would like to pay my respect to the family and friends of Capt.Phil. to his sons Josh and Jake i know what you are going through, i lost my dad to cancer almost three years ago my mom amd all five of us were at his bedside when he passes. toughest day of my life. still hard and sometimes to understand. about six month ago while working in the Houston TX.Harbor our boat crew had to assit and give first-aid to a Capt. who was having a heart attack. EMS worked on him seems like forever gound out he doed on the way to the hospital first time in ren years out in the waters ive ever delt with that. and i still remember the Capt.s name tore me up. i know what kinda pain you both are going through keep your head up cause one day you will be reunited with your old man.
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July 19, 2010
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dawn said:
josh and jake,i want to pay my respect to you and your family,i lost my brother on the 29th of feb,so i know what you are going through
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July 19, 2010
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heith said:
to the boys and crew . I hope for the best for you guys i have been watching the show almost 3 years now and the loss of phil rely sucks . he is sooooo missed . I hope josh will take over the boat like his dad wont`ed . i hope the best for jake good luck man . and to the capt. R.I.P man your missed very much . ps fish/crab on boy`s and thanks to the camera guy`s for putting there life`s on the line as well
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July 19, 2010
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Tara said:
Josh and Jake-
I want to thank you for sharing the last six years of your fathers life and part of your relationship with him with all of us. It is a rare thing indeed to get a glimpse into a family dynamic like yours. I am glad that I got to know and see that piece of him, and of the both of you.
I hope that discovery gifts you boys with copies of all the footage they had of your dad over the years. There would be no value you could place on that gift. I can only imagine how many tidbits for you are in there, considering how much he said about you boys that made it into the show.
Stay strong, live your lives, and smile when you hear him in your mind every time you are unsure of yourselves, about to do something you are unsure of ,or you know to be boneheaded! Keep the promises you made to him as best you can, and know that as long as you do your best, he’s forever proud of you.
Love and thanks!
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July 19, 2010
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Linda from Dallas said:
Josh, you gave the father an incredible gift when you told him how proud you were to have him as your Dad. How he taught you how to be a man. I remember how he talked about how he thought he let you down as kids, and because of it, how glad he was to have the time with you and Jake on the Cornelia Marie. Your Dad was able to go on home to heaven with your words of sincerity and love with him. Never forget that.
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July 20, 2010
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Mike Fuller II said:
To jake & josh. I”am sorry for your dad’s loss. I lost my dad feb,9-2007.watching the show for somany years he reminded me of my pops too the smoking the sickness of watching him go downhill SUCKS!! my dad was A truckdriver he had his own rig too.The biggest thing I try to say IS DONT LET GO OF IT!!!I was part of that truck to He wanted to keep it going and the biggest thing is I REGREAT I let it go. I blame it on the trucking that killed him.THAT it wasent. it was the frickin smokes!!I never once shed A tear till I was watching & seen how much life is too short my dad was only 58 MAN!!!!just so you guys know DONT LET GO THE BIGGEST THING I DID!!!!! & I live with that every day!the good part I quit smoking April 8 2010 I KNOW YOU 2 CAN!!! RIDE ON.
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July 20, 2010
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Chris said:
I lost my dad 5 years ago sort of the same way just out of the blue he had a massive heart attack it does get easier over the years but things will remind you of him places you been and stuff just remember the good times you had with him when you see things that remind you of him and it make it easier amd all way’s talk to each other about him that helps
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July 20, 2010
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Tom said:
My father passed in much the same way… The failure shouldn’t break your heart. No one ever accomplishes everything they set out to do in life. There’s just not enough time. It’s at that moment that your father showed his humanity and humility for the situation. We’re all failures in life. Being imperfect is what makes us human. He loved you boys very much, and I think he was sad at having to leave you so soon. I lost my dad when I was 18 – he died the day after my high school graduation. He told me that he thought he’d failed me, dying while I was so young. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was just his way of saying sorry for an impossible situation. Dwell on the love, not the final moments. My thoughts are prayers are with all of you in the coming months and years.
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July 20, 2010
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gahnzo said:
To all the men on the show, I tip my hat to you all. I respect your profession and I admire your courage and dedication. I spent time on the ocean and have an appreciation of the power of mother nature and the sea. To see it on television is one thing. To experience the raw power of 25-35 foot seas is another. You just don’t get the same “feel of it”.
Josh n Jake, you have some very good company out there on the ocean. If you choose to go back to sea, I think you will have numerous friends/family to help you when and if needed. You also have many friends around the world who pray for the safety of all mariners on the sea. Phil was a kind soul who God needed more than we. He taught you boys well, just listen to his voice inside you. You will be guided to the right decision. To all the other Captain’s and crews of the other ships. Fair sailing to you all.
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July 20, 2010
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Iggy103 said:
If I was to work on a crabbing boat, I’d want to be on the Cornelia Marie with your Dad in the wheelhouse!!
RIP Capt. Harris, Godspeed!!!!
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July 20, 2010
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Tammy Flowers said:
My heart and my prayers go out to josh,Jake and his fishing buddies.My Father passed away in 2008 from a massive stroke. His speech and memory were affected after several small strokes and a blood clot a year earlier. He was not happy being homebound. He loved fishing and he took me to the ocean when I was only 4 weeks old. I have sea water in my veins. My dad didnt not want to live like he was . Shortly after I was holding his hand, we were talking he told me he loved me and he was gone. Even though I expected it to happen I wasnt prepared. Friends and family helped the most. But I had to be strong for my little sister because she had a alcohol and drug problem. Not right now because she got help. But you have to take it on day at a time. I didnt think I could go fishing but Im going out on a boat fishing this weekend. I loved and respected your father even though I never met him. It was like I was on the boat every tuesday night. hugs and kisses to you both.Hopefully I will catch a big puppy drum this weekend Love Tammy
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July 20, 2010
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kevin small said:
such a tradgidy but i think his sons wil keep his legacy going. sorry josh an jake cant imagine the pain prayer out to the whole crew
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July 20, 2010
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Ronda Jenkins Meehling said:
My son and I miss Phil and hope that the boys are alright and my son wants them to know that you never lose the people you love they are always in your heart.
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July 20, 2010
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DAVID CARTWRIGHT said:
The world cried tonite.
rip Capt. you will be remembered
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July 20, 2010
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david stewart said:
jake & josh,
i understand how u feel , i lost my dad back in 2004 to cancer, he was in tennessee and i was @ ft richardson ak. ive been a deadliest catch fan since the show first aired,and feel like ya’ll r almost like family. i cried like a little girl during the last few episodes, even though i knew what was gonna happen. Discovery did an great job in how they handled everything. I believe it was done how ure dad would have wanted. best of luck in the future! hope to see yall on the show next season.
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July 20, 2010
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Judy Irwin said:
Josh and Jake….My husband and I watched the show tonight when we saw that your dad has passed away….we were in shock. We loved your dad in the Deadliest Catch. We went outside and sat for a few moments and just looked at each other and said..”I feel so sad”. No words can take away what you are feeling, but know that my husband and I are thinking of you both and praying for you. Big hugs to you both and God Bless.
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July 21, 2010
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Gabrielle said:
My thoughts go to the Harris family, and specially to Jake and Josh. Loosing someone you love is the hardest thing that can happen. But you have to know that you have each other, and amazing people around you that will always be there to support you no matter what. Jake, don’t give up on your rehab! Life is always gonna put obstacles on your way, but getting through them is only gonna make you stronger and a better person. And remember that whatever the path you choose, your father is and always will be so proud of you two! I send you much love and prayers.
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July 21, 2010
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Steve H said:
Josh and Jake, the wheelhouse on the CM will forever echo the Life, Laughter, and Love of Captain Phil. RIP Phil. It was a Privilege to have known your Dad even if it was only through the show!
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July 21, 2010
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Jonathan(tampabay) said:
I really don’t write letters but my duty as a fan and viewer of the D/C makes me;i never grew with a dad figure but i will give anything in life to have one just like Phil,your DAD gave his heart and soul to the show that got millions attention,thats more than any politician,God Bless him and you guys too,im too old to be fishermen but i love the ocean. Peace out guys!
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July 21, 2010
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Clarence Breslin said:
words alone can not describe how we feel.
like the rest of the fans we fell in love with the show and the Harris family,heck i cant remember the name of the other show we used to watch.
once we saw d/c, we were hooked.
our thoughts and prayers go out to Jake and Josh as well as the rest of the Harris family.
GOD BLESS,be safe, keep on crabbin
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July 21, 2010
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Brian [ the viking ] Andersen said:
i wish to pay my sincerest respect to Josh and Jake and the rest of the crew.
You shared your lives with us and for that I am truly greatfull. Your Dad was one of the greatest human beings I have had to pleasure to get to know . You boyz have your heads screwed on right , always remember the promises you made to your Dad and do him proud . Stay healthy and keep doing what make you the happiest , he would have wanted that from you ..
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July 22, 2010
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Sam said:
All of us at mikeroweWORKS just want to say we wish y’all the best. There’s just not the right words that come to us except to say that Phil was a great guy, he’s been sadly missed since February and Josh and Jake? We wish you guys all the best of everything. Keep the faith, yeah? You too, Morgan, and everyone else associated with the Cornelia Marie – we got you guys in our radar.
Godspeed to you all.
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July 22, 2010
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Kimberly Lucas Buffarini said:
I love Deadliest Catch and of course I love Phil too. He was, is and will always be a brilliant man, an awesome dad, a great captain and a very good role model for his boys. He taught them how to go out and get what you want and to make the most of everyday!! You are forever in my heart and on my mind! My thoughts are with Jake and Josh!! Hang in there you will see him again!!
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July 22, 2010
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Scott said:
Phil will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the fleet for this loss.
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July 23, 2010
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Carolyn Wagner said:
I am watching reruns of Deadliest Catch and I am finding it difficult to be reminded that Captain Phil went thru such a difficult struggle. I work in the health care field here in Canada and I have seen many people pass. For some reason I seem to have so much trouble dealing with Captain Phils’ passing. I guess because it was at so young an age and because as a fan of the show I had,like so many others, grown to love him. He reminded me of my brother,a big huggable teddy bear! I wish nothing but the best for Josh and Jake and to tell them they were privledged to have such a loving,caring father,which I am sure they already know,but we as fans saw this also. Remember guys,your Dad will always be there for you in spirit. God bless you both.
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July 23, 2010
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pam said:
i’m thinking of you both at this very difficult time. know that he is with god and pain free.
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July 23, 2010
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ROBERTA HAMILTON said:
Josh and Jake you have set your goals, so go for it and don’t let nobody stand in your way.Your dad will always be their to guide you.
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July 23, 2010
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Alice said:
Captain Phil will be missed, He was my favorite captain. He was a true person, my wishes goes out to Josh and Jake to carry on with pride, and do whatever your heart tells you. Love and prays to you both.
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July 24, 2010
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Anita said:
Your dad was a wonderful man and I felt that from just being a fan of the show. He really loved you boys and you should be very proud that you can call him your dad. He will be missed. But keep your heads held high because you deserve it as you are both very hard workers and were awesome sons to Capt phil….
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July 25, 2010
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Diana said:
I’m deeply saddened by the sudden loss of your Father. He seemed a “Giant” in everyone aboard his ships’ lives. If not for Phil I don’t believe I would have followed each season. Rest in Peace Dear Phil….God speed to his kin
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July 25, 2010
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Deb Brown said:
The boys had a wonderful man as a dad they just havent truly realized it yet, his passing is still to fresh…as parents we dont always see our weakness of not being present in the lives of our children, its the “strength” in our mindset that providing for them is enough…its not until later that we ourselves come to the same realization our children need more of us, I saw that when Phil went thru the pictures of the boys on the CM. I have guilt myself when I just recently went thru soem family photos…
(Raises a “duckfart” to the skies)
~ Here’s to you Captain Phil Harris, thanks for becoming part of our lives. And sharing meomories thru the Deadliest Catch. You will be missed Sir, R.I.P”~
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July 26, 2010
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mary smith said:
roger and i watched all the episodes of the deadlest catch. the captain will be missed our prayers are with his family
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July 26, 2010
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genea cannon said:
I just loved Phil and he was a great father as far as we could see. I wish Josh and Jake all the riches and luck of the irish. Jake I hope that you stay clean and sober in honor of your father. Love to you all
Genea
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July 26, 2010
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Theresa said:
I am sorry for your lose. You are all in my prayers. I have just lost my father to cancer last week. I know how it feels to loose the head of the family. I miss my dad every minute of everyday. I wish you, jake and josh the best. I hope that you are able to stay clean and sobber jake. Your dad is proud of you for doing so. Please take care and know that Phil is always with you no matter where you are. He lives on in your memories and in your hearts forever. Peace and Love.
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July 26, 2010
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Karlene Jones said:
Nothing we can say can ease your pain. It’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and love are with you both.
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July 27, 2010
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LORI ANN BAIRD said:
love the cornelia marie from the start feel like i know all you guys if you ever let a girl on the boat id love to cook for you guys. good luck and god bless hope you have a great season we are all pulling for you. HAPPY LIFE LORI ANN BAIRD GREENWOODLAKE NY
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July 29, 2010
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janet drury said:
i am sorry of the passing to your father. You boys had a wonderful father. I love wathcing the show. I am glad the you worked with your father. Not many sons are so close to their fathers. I hopw you continue on the cornelia marie.
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July 30, 2010
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Rick said:
Josh and Jake
I have watched the show since the Jake first started working on the Cornelia. Then Josh came along. I, like all of the other loyal fans, have watched the two of you mature into the men the two of you are today. Your dad has blessed us by showing through the show how much
he loved the two of you. A parent myself, I have learned, by watching your dad, to let my kids know daily how much I love them. Your dad is a blessing to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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August 2, 2010
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leeann said:
if you ever take women on your boat think of me to please… i am so sorry to hear about your dad he was great he was one in a million. i have been watching the show for a long time i hope that you boy are coming back to the cornelia marie… he was loved by millons and will be missed by million r.i.p philly
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August 26, 2010
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Laura said:
Josh, you gave your dad an incredible gift when you reassured him he had been a good father and given you guys all he could. At that point you had given him the peace he will rest in. And Jake, by doing your rehab, you have given him peace as well. Peace knowing his younger son would get it together and be ok. You guys have no idea how much parents worry about these things. He knew he was seriously ill for 2 or 3 years, previous to his passing, and he did everything he could to prepare you for when he would be gone.
You are both very fortunate to have such a strong network of back up dads to help you through til you get on your feet with the boat. I wish you every success in life. Always remember, your ‘gut’ instinct will never lie to you. Always be true to what that is telling you – and you will be just fine.
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August 26, 2010
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debi demoranville said:
my prayers to you & your family. i lost my dad almost two years ago & think of him every day. i cried the day you lost your dad :( i love the show
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September 28, 2010
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The Quigley’s said:
Phil Harris is one of those guys that leaves an impression. I know he left one on us. We enjoyed watching a part of his life, and were saddened by his passing.
Although it is now several months since your dad passed away, he touched many people, people like us that never met him, but share the feeling of a loss.
I think Mike Rowe said it best… “I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him, but I knew him well enough to like him… and more than enough to miss him”.
Phil was a rare guy. He left a legacy, both in life and death. That’s rare indeed.
Paul & Delynna Quigley
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
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October 7, 2010
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maria said:
hey josh,
that scene with your dad in the hospital where he said he was a failure just got to me. and you just put in perspective for me when u said in the interview above that he was in the last moments in his life and to think he was a failure, that just made me sad. i commend you for being strong in all this and for showing him that he was not a failure and that you and jake are really good young boys.
keep up a straight path and hope everything is fine with jake. looking forward to seeing you guys next season and keep your dad’s legacy.
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October 7, 2010
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diana pollock said:
Dear Josh- I reaaly do not know the right words to say,but how deeply sorry for you and Jake’s lose.I never knew my dad and if I could pick my dad it would be your’s.How lucky you are to have him as a dad.I think about you boys everyday.I lost my beloved mom two years ago,just two days before mothers day.It is the hardest thing ever.She is everything to me.And I was so mad at God for taking her from us,and when this world lost your dad the pain started all over again. I pray for you and Jake daily and that God keeps you safe. I just wished everybody could have a dad like yours what a wonderful world it would be. Always Diana
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October 9, 2010
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damian o sullivan said:
I’M FROM IRELAND AND BY WATCHIN THE SHOW YER FATHER WAS A GREAT MAN WHO LOVED YE BOTH SO I;M HAVIN A FEW FOR THE BEST CAP EVER CAPTAIN PHILL
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October 13, 2010
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lisa jayne chapman said:
Josh and jake, and all the fleet I have been watching deadliest catch since the beginning, season five I will never forget, and hearing about your sad loss. He becam a father to us all captain phil harris you helped a lot of people….. I have suffered with depression and a lot that you said was not only helpful to your boys but to us all out here with problems…..will miss you dreadfully on the programme the world has lost a great friend but heaven has a new angel all my love lise xx hear if you want to talk always xxxx
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October 13, 2010
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john sanderson said:
i`ve watched the show since episode 1 and i was hooked thought captain phil was superb.a great man and skipper and just want to share my thoughts with josh n jake and family he was a great man and will be missed by all.my thoughts go out to you at this sad time phil is and always will be a legend
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October 23, 2010
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lee said:
just heard the sad news,tragic. chin up lads all the best.