Posted on February 20, 2010 - by Morgan Howard
Mike Rowe says goodbye to Capt. Phil
Capt. Phil and Mike Rowe
(The following is an excerpt from mikeroweworks.com) A few years ago I was in Seattle, preparing to film the first round of After the Catch. For those of you unfamiliar with the program, After the Catch is a talk show in a bar, where The Captains and crew from Deadliest Catch gather to chat about this and that. I impersonate a moderator, and do my best to keep things on the rails. (Think Charlie Rose with cigarettes and whiskey.)
Anyway, on that first day of shooting, I arrived a few hours before filming began, and observed the kind of chaos that one can only find around a TV production. We were going to be shooting in a style called “Live to Tape,” which means we’d record the show in real time, as though it were a live production, but edit later for content. (Can you imagine filming the Captains with no time delay?) Consequently, there were at least 7 cameras positioned around the big table, and all kinds of lights hanging from the ceiling and poking through the windows. The plan was to record two shows in one afternoon. Producers and directors and cameramen and all manner of production personnel were milling about, and there was a real sense that no one actually knew what the hell was going on. Which was indeed the case.
As the Captains took their places around the table, it was clear they were not entirely sure what to expect. I can’t say they were nervous, but I can assure you that ambiguity does not sit well with men who are accustomed to being in charge. This kind of filming is the opposite of what goes on aboard their boats, and they had lots of questions about how the day would unfold. Unfortunately, I had no answers for them. (Unlike Captains, I actually prefer confusion and ambiguity – especially in television – and I told them as much. I also suggested that, being in a bar, there were any number of remedies nearby capable of taking the edge off – a completely unnecessary piece of advice, given my audience and setting.)
The only one who appeared completely at ease was Phil. He arrived at the last minute, and did so in style – cruising into the parking lot aboard a brand new motorcycle. He walked into the bar with a big smile, said hello to the gang, and then glanced at me with an amused expression. We then had the following exchange. (Please click here to finish reading the article on Mike’s personal website. Thanks Mike, great job)
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February 23, 2010
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John and Jeri Blackford said:
Captain Phil,
Jeri and I want to say thank you for giving us the pleasure of watching the terrific interaction between you and your sons. We honestly felt like part of your family, and loved see you pass your wisdom on to your kids! We thoroughly enjoyed watching you grind through season after season, and share your own personal ups and downs. I thought it would be incredible to come work a King Crab season with you, just for the chance to learn from the best! Josh and Jake, you are both in our prayers, and wish you nothing but a quick return to the Bering Sea to carry on your fathers tradition! God be with you!
Captain Phil… Fair winds and following seas! Semper Fi!
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February 24, 2010
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BECKY said:
I WANT JOSH AND JAKE TO RETURN TO THE SHOW I WOULD LIKE THEM TO TAKE OVER THE CORNELIAMARIE THEY ARE WHAT WILL MAKE THEM SHOW A BIGGER HIT THAN IT AREADY IS.
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February 24, 2010
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Keith L. Conner said:
Jake & Josh and all the Deadliest Catch family. Thank you for sharing Captain Phil Harris with us all. He will truly be missed by all. You guys had the awesome experience of a loving father, who leaves a lasting legacy. You guys will remain in our prayers.
Keith L Conner
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February 25, 2010
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Mike Richard said:
Thanks Mike for all you shared about Phil, Deadliest Catch will never be the same…I was never too fond of the few Episodes he wasn’t on…although I am still a Deadliest Catch Junkie !
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February 25, 2010
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Ken said:
Thanks capt. Phil! You will be missed but not forgotten!! Carry on Josh and Jake. Thats what your dad would want.
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February 26, 2010
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Colleen Tarr-Hulbert said:
Captain Phil and his sons came to Eureka CA to do a fundraiser for the family of a local man who had passed from cancer—the stayed and signed autographs without a break from 4pm to well past the advertised 8pm–no one left with out an autograph or a chance to say hi and shake their hands–then they went to a local casino and did more of the same. I have a picture taken of me with Captain Phil and his sons at my desk at work and I say a prayer for them all every time I see it. It was an honor to meet him God Bles Captain Phil and his family!!!
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February 26, 2010
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dark said:
we will miss you
capt fhil…….
god bless you
and god bless his,family
lots of love dark from holland
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February 27, 2010
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Lain Kennedy said:
I am a giant fan of Deadliest Catch. To me, it is one of the best shows on TV because of its authenticity. Captain Phil Harris was one of the reasons the show was so great. He knew his business, and, all the fleet knew this. It has been almost amusing to watch him tackle the Bering, and, then take on his children to teach them – a small bit – of what he knows. I think all of us wish they had a father like Phil Harris. Yet, aside from the quote, “the good die young,” Phil Harris was loved and revered because he was respected, not just for being a sea Captain, and boat owner, but, because he did it the right way!! I will miss him greatly. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Josh and Jake, now it is your time to make your father proud, energy goes into the universe to help both of you be great and successful at whatever you both choose!!
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February 27, 2010
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Joe said:
Josh Jake,,,, Your dad was very happy at sea,, fishing and smoking it was who he was ,,, I always loved watching the show more so the way everyday normal people who do what they do ,,,sharing some form of there life ,, not so much its harder,,, or easy or what ever someone may think on the other side of the camara,,, but that you shared it. Every day most people think of how or what they will do every day in some way, for me I become a bit diffrent after my father died,, he died in my arms,, his last breath,, . for me it changed every thing who i was or who i thought i was ,,, or who i was to be in life,,, even before that i saw meny meny life changing things as a former military man i looked at things as a mission or a goal life as someone who was willing to die for something,, freedom, honor,, someone else,,to see you father share every day with his sons well to me it was great! all the hell ,, the bullshit,, the money ,, the the love was the strongest ever! thats how i see it ,,, you brothers have a beautiful life ahead of you because your together. and may be you will get married and have your own kids too,,, that iam sure your dad would smile,, too,, and more so we belive in something ,,, God first each other but something positive,, for me I gave up drinking because i could not enjoy my father any more,, we just talked more when i had a few,,,beers,, you may feel the need for change ,,, i did so i gave up something and moved forward ,, God does play a big part of me now ,, some thing i wish to share. move forward dont look back stay possitive with your hands on the plow/wheel its the sun rise and sun set,, the key to life, i enjoy them very very much and never for get the good times ,, Much love my brothers Joe
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February 28, 2010
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Theresa Bodman said:
I just want to say thank you for having shared your life with us. Seeing your family on tv every week is more than most of us see our own fathers, or brothers, making us feel as though you were part of our family. Death is only difficult for those of us left behind, so it is to your family, friends, and all of us who let you into our hearts that I say – Phil Harris has left a wonderful legacy, gave great joy, and because of his genorosity of sharing his life on tv we can continue to remember him and hopefully see his sons grow and prosper. Godspeed, Captain Phil!
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March 2, 2010
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Martin said:
Thankyou Phil, for bringing us all on a fantastic adventure. My heart goes out to the Harris boys, their family, and the crew of the Cornelia Marie. Should you choose to carry on, I wish you all the best and safe journey. Sincerely Martin
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March 2, 2010
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Robert said:
Jake and Josh, take this from a fellow father. You have no idea how proud your Dad was of you. I don’t think any of us know just how truley loved we are by our parents. Phil was a great captain, man, and most of all father. He will be truely missed. God Bless him, and all our prayers to you guys and the rest of the captains and crew at sea…
Sincerely a fellow Father…
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March 2, 2010
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A Fan said:
Bye Phil. The world lost a little more of itself when you left us.
Hopefully your boys get what you were all about and instill that in people they come across as you did.
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March 2, 2010
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Carissa said:
Jake and Josh, thank you so much for sharing your lives and your father with us. We love Deadliest Catch and are saddened by the loss of a great Captain. I hope you both continue the legacy that your father has left. I know he is truly proud of the both of you. God Bless.
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March 4, 2010
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Ron Williams said:
Several of Captain Phils closest friends and fishing buddies gathered together in Astoria, Oregon to honor their friend. Present were Captains Rick Quashnick (F/V Maverick) Derrick Ray (new captain of F/V Cornelia Marie)David Lethin (F/V Aleutian Ballad) Harry Lewis (F/V Incentive) and Captain Jim Wilson. The tribute DVD will soon be available. Pre-order yours at ron@commercialfishermensfestival proceeds go to help fund the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and it’s signature event the Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition
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March 5, 2010
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Linda Salas-Fernandez said:
I’m from South Florida. I sat for hours watching the show with my family in total Aww of the courage you all have in thes fasinating love of the Ocean. The courage is remarkable. I loved Capt Phil. And will definately miss him. Continue doing what yous do. Live the legacy. Go back to the site where you’ll spread his ashes, for there is where your catch will be. Love yous! Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
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March 5, 2010
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a rangel said:
thank you captain phil harris for being a big part of an awesome show, we will miss you on the show. jake and josh takeover for dad he will be proud of you.
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March 7, 2010
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Kathy B said:
I couldn’t agree more with Mike Rowe’s insightful description of Phil – he was the real deal – a genuine guy not afraid to show how he felt. How I also gravitated to his “realness” and hoped that each episode contained some little snippet of Phil being himself. Guess that’s why I too considered him my favorite. Thank you Phil for being part of our lives for the past four years – and thank you Discovery for this fantastic show.
You are and will be missed.
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March 9, 2010
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Rebeka said:
I got the news just a few days ago and just broke down. Phil was one of my favorite captains. I wish Josh and Jake the best and hope the new season comemorates Phil’s life in a way that will truly match his legacy..
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March 12, 2010
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Karen said:
After I started to watch the show, it was so far away from my worries and problems that it almost made me feel grateful for those who work so hard and put themselves at so much danger. I felt like watching a distant family and worrying about their care and survival. I learned many things about fishing, the families, the crew and the Barring Sea. I enjoy the captains and their daily struggles. I got to know each one and enjoy their loyalties to each other. Phil was special. His great sense of humor, his love of his family, his love of fishing and I must say his obvious brilliant way of leading his crew to the promised “Crab” so everyone could make their hard living. He was very bright and knew what he was doing. During all of the hardships, he tried to protect those around him, he found a way to keep them as safe as possible and he always pushed for a way to beat the “demon” of the Barring Sea. He had a great sense of humor and was one of the unsung hero’s in his own way. He would never agree with that but that is one of the reasons he was so great. He had humility and he felt real. After I heard about his passing, I almost didn’t feel I could watch the show again. To me, he was a huge part of deadliest catch – now, I am looking forward to a new season to see how his sons are and how the other captains are fairing with him gone. My thoughts are with them all – a lot of the captains have compared losing others to the sea as becoming “numb” to it all – but inside it hurts and we all realize that. Even though, life always goes on and so does the fishing, we all know the pain of a loss of someone close to us and that we know.. I felt like I knew him like a friend that sits right beside me. I would be proud to have a wonderful friend like him. When he injured himself I was so worried watching the show and slowly over time and his illness I saw how much it was all taking a toll on him. As I watched the show and saw some crews be lost to the sea, I almost feel now like, the Sea respected him enough to never take him – but it finally called him home. I am glad he will be laid where he loved to be… on the sea.
We will miss you Phil,
Karen
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March 14, 2010
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rachel said:
now capt. phil can sail through the golden gates. miss you buddy.
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March 15, 2010
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josh gilmore said:
i was deeply saddend to hear of phils death. i’ve watched every episode of the show and felt like i knew him personally. to jake and josh ,i am sorry for your loss, but keep your heads up, you have one hell of a gaurdian angel now, he was very proud of you both, god speed captain! we’ll miss you
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March 17, 2010
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Aaron Lindholm said:
I enjoyed watching the show i would always look for captin Phil’s boat and would think i would like to work on it under his command.
I will miss him with all of my heart and soul and I pray for his famliy and friends.
Thank you Cpatin Phil your work on the earth is done.
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March 17, 2010
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Ed said:
Captain Phil made watching DC fun and I couldn’t wait to hear his gruff voice boom with colorful Philism’s. When we almost lost him back two seasons ago I prayed for his recovery, but I guess the man up stairs really wanted him around more.
So Jake and Josh we all feel sorrow at the loss of such a grand human being, that was your father. Carry on sons, and “Fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw!”
Blessing upon Captain Phil and all the families.
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March 21, 2010
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Randy Monroe said:
I was shocked to hear of the loss of Capt. Phil…… I have been a big fan like so many others for years. It brought me to a state of shock and brought tears to my eyes to see the head lines of the tragic loss. I feel like I lost one of my own friends, and my heart goes out to his friends and family. His legacy like many others will go on unforgotten. Capt. Phil Harris will always be one of my heros.
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March 24, 2010
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Brian Mansfield said:
Good Job Phil. Farwell and Following Seas, Captain.
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March 27, 2010
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Leslie said:
Smooth sailing Capt. Phil. You will be missed!! Be strong Josh and Jake. That is what dad would expect.
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March 27, 2010
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donna & monty said:
Our prayers and blessings are with you Jake & Josh at this time in the loss of your father Phil, what a great man, he is misseed by all.
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March 27, 2010
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Randy S said:
Fair skies, following seas and Godspeed Captain. Thank you for allowing us to eavesdrop on your life for a while. You will be missed.
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March 28, 2010
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Ken W said:
I spent many a day or night watching the show. Captain Phil was one of my most favorites. You could tell he was speaking honestly from his heart, even when in front of the cameras. I got so worried when he had the embolism right o the boat and when he fell of the bed and broke his ribs. A smoker myself, I kept yelling at him to quit the damn cigarettes. I could see that he would probably not change is ways and probably meet his maker sooner than later. I was so sad as I know he wanted to spend more time with is loving sons. God bless you Phil and thanks for the friendship and entertainment!
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March 30, 2010
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Matt.E said:
I been watching the TV show from Day1 and got my wife Jen in to it a fews years back and we both love Phil. so when we heard that Phil past away we’re heart broken. so when they stopped filming the show I go to netflix and watch it from E1, You will not be for gotten and you will have a spot in our hearts Phil. I slot You Phil.
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March 30, 2010
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steven adams said:
i am so sorry to here of the passing of a true leader capt phil harris you will be sadly missed but where ever you are in the universe know this that you were a true father to your lads they learned every thing from you about fishing so phil may the gates of heaven open to recive you may the sea roar at your leaving god bless you steven adams dublin ireland
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April 1, 2010
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Turds Garage and Customs said:
IF you boys read this know one thing. This is one of the single most tragic events of your lives as of yet. I lost my pops @ 54 to a bad heart and mine shattered that day when his no longer beat. Life is a wild ride of memories and adventure. Try to avoid the father son movies for it still hurts to watch a movie or show that reflects a father and sons love. I used to watch the show and your dad reminded me alot of my dad as far as similar look,smiles,off the wall sense of humor. Keep your chins up fellas be sad for a while then listen and you will hear him say: get your asses to work and stop making a big deal out of me,damn.lol crying as I typed that! but it’s true. consume yourself with work and time passes ever so slowly but it helps. and give away alot of things of his to needy people so he can give to others even in passing. IT ALL HELPS!!! MY DAD WOULD HAVE GAVE HIS SHIRT AND HIS LAST DIME TO A STRANGER IN NEED AND PHIL PROLLY WOULD HAVE TOO. STAY STRONG BOYS AND INDIANAPOLIS,IN. ALWAYS WELCOMES CRAB FISHERMAN TO THE RACES..
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April 2, 2010
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Diane Richards said:
To the Family of Capt. Phil all I can say is carry on the way he would have loved for you to do. The past few years I have loved being a part of the Cornelia Marie!
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April 3, 2010
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Sally Reymond said:
I’m sure there is a special place in heaven for crab fishermen. The pots always come up full, the engine never breaks, and you don’t have to pay for gas. I’m also sure that this is where Captain Phil is, piloting his dream boat through steady waves and helpful winds.
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April 3, 2010
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David Rutherford said:
Josh and Jake, I cannot put in words how deeply sorry I am for your loss, I have watched the show every year and to watch you guys interact as both deckhands and sons has been inspiring on so many levels. Even when he was chewing both your asses for a number of things (Like Jake buying a friggin flat screen on a crab boat haha) you guys would smart off but you always knew you both had the deepest respect and admiration for that man. Your father will be missed by so many. For those who never had the pleasure of seeing the show to understand. Phil was a true american BADASS.
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April 4, 2010
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Louis said:
Watching Captain Phil was like looking at my own father. Brash, harsh, sweet, loving and a total professional – all at the same time. With a smoke hanging from his hand and his wise beard and rough look, it was obvious to me that Phil Harris was a hard working regular joe – much like the rest of us – but he also had a heart like a lion and a love for his family that extended well beyond his professional adventures. Hearing of Phil’s passing was a unexpected shock to me. I guess you don’t really know what people mean to you personally until they are gone. My heart and good wishes go out to Phil’s friends and family and I hope his kin go on to their own success, whatever that may be. I don’t think Captain Phil would really mind what other people did as long as they did it with dignity, hard work, and dedication. Safe passage, Captain Phil Harris, you will be missed.
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April 6, 2010
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SteveC said:
Phil always reminded me of my Uncle Chester. My mom had eight siblings, so I had a lot of uncles to choose from, but he was my favorite, and the first to die.
Chester was a hard living, hard drinking, hard smoking guy who lived life with a smile on his face and at full throttle.
Like Phil, Chester didn’t live a long life. The hard life they both lived takes its toll.
But like my Uncle Chester, Phil was someone who stood out in a crowd. He had principals. He understood the meaning of sacrifice. He was the type of guy, that if you were in a battle and had to take that next hill, there wouldn’t be a moment of doubt who you’d depend upon to lead the charge.
God bless Phil. America needs a lot more Phils, especially today when the type of dedication he exemplified is in very short supply.
His family, in their grief, should be very proud of this man and his accomplishments.
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April 9, 2010
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Rachel said:
My husband and I watch “The Deadliest Catch from the first time it was on we were hooked(lol)we even watch the marathons even after already seeing it. We love Watching Cpt Phil he talked to the camera like you were sittting there yourself. We love watching the Cornelia Maria and the boys on the Northwestern because they act like “real” people. We can’t wait until the new season starts but We will Miss Cpt. Phil and our prayers are with Jake and Josh at their time of grieve. We liked Cpt. Phil because we could see the love he had for his boys and the crew (family) ran deep and it showed!!!!!!!!!R.I.P Captain Phil we loved you now you have sailed on!! Missed Rachel and Don
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April 10, 2010
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dennis fro akron ohio said:
i will miss capt phill its been real tough i feel like i know him please boys dont quit make your dad proud god bless you all
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April 10, 2010
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chalmer stortz said:
phil was one of the greatest men i’ve ever know true hard and true to life his boy’s must now pick up the peices and i only hope they know they can do that with dignity jake and josh do what your father would want you too do go to the bering spread his ashes and get that crab it’s what phil wants so go do it
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April 10, 2010
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Cathy Ellis said:
The new season is about to air and I still get so sad when I see the commercials. Captn Phil touched all of our hearts by being the real man that he was. I am lucky to have met him once at a meet and greet in Ukiah Ca. Everyone was saying how awesome it was to see them and how great the show was. I asked Phil how HE was doing. He said “Im still alive”. We all laughed and then later while outside I was getting ready to leave he walked up and said “Thanks you for asking about me.” We talked for a few and then he had to get back. I will never forget that day. I sent the photos we had taken my boyfriend and his best friends (both are fishermen) to the address listed with a card for Jake and Josh….hope they got them…thank you for sharing your life with us. You truely will be missed Capt Phil!
Cathy
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April 12, 2010
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LEE said:
I LOVE IT WHEN ALL GOT TOGETHER AT THE BAR.
I WAS INTERESTING TO HEAR THE STORIES, AND SEE THEM RELAXING WITH YOU
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April 13, 2010
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Teri Colone said:
What a man. A lot of men could take lessons from this guy on how to be a dad. “Gone too soon.” Wisconsin will miss you. xo
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April 14, 2010
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Doug Anderson said:
My wife and I enjoy every episode of Deadliest Catch and after the catch. All the boats and crews are great to watch. But I could relate to Captain Phil Harris and all the emotions with his 2 sons working for him. I run a farm and my 2 sons worked here too. Phil made me feel normal watching the emotions on his face, and I felt a kinship thru the show. I will miss him always. May you be at peace Capt. Phil. and may he watch over your sons Jake and Josh..
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April 14, 2010
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Kelly Graham said:
I absolutely love watching dc just to watch Phil and his crew..Remember guys always look for fart bubbles and the smell of S__t in the air and u guys will do fine I seriously believe ur father knew what he was talking about in that aspect.He was a great man,and sadly missed.Keep up the good work guys Phil is watching you..God bless u all.
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April 21, 2010
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Christopher Sotta said:
as a former navy sailor i had the oppertunity to sail the oceans waters. and it was my slice of heaven .. i saw a posting onhere from a former marine. and he said it all
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.
phile was the DALE EARNHARDT of the crabbing world.. may he and the real DE me trading stories.. for we do miss them both .. josh and jake . i hope yu keep the Cornelia marie going shes a stout seabird and she is the best ..
may god bless you and keep you safe .. and when god calls yu home give yer old man a hug and throw a red crab down his pants .. lol
chris
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April 28, 2010
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lila hegeman said:
at a time when there is so much insencerity and selfishness phil harris was a light in the real world . a real man to be respected for his love of sons, job. a leader , his sense of committment apparent to all who watched. carry on and make your loving father proud,feel his presence and love and know this is not a forever parting. he now fishes with the Fisher o Men
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May 2, 2010
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Russ said:
I’ll miss your dad boys.
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May 2, 2010
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Julie said:
Capt. Phil will be missed so much. Josh and Jake. So many of us wish we had a dad that made sure we knew how much they care for and love us. I can’t put into words how sorry I am for your loss. I did not know him but I wish I had. I know you will make him proud.