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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July 23, 2010
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Paul said:
Good job Mike! The Cornelia Marie is one of three of my favorit boats on Deadlist Catch. We all will miss Capt. Phil.
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July 23, 2010
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brian said:
I don’t no what to say but loved phill going to miss him. I would love to meat the boys.
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July 23, 2010
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Callie said:
Great Job Mike….The charisma of Phil, his relationship with his sons….He will be missed by so many.
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July 23, 2010
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Winnie said:
Capt. Phil… You will be missed but never forgotten. Mike, thanks for sharing
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July 23, 2010
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Rocky said:
Mike, That was awesome, I wish I had the Chance to Meet Him, I watch every tuesday Not once but the replay after, I feel as if I knew Phil and could see that he was a genuine person and a great Guy . May he Rest in Peace and he will be Missed by Millions.
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July 23, 2010
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Don Rawson said:
It’s amazing that the world stumbled in on Capt Phil via Deadliest Catch. To think of all of the admiration and respect that he earned from total strangers is a testament to him. Mike, you seem like a genuine person as well and it’s only fitting that you comment about the same attributes in the Capt. Guess we all (as fans) feel the same way, for me he is a representation of my own father. He will definitely be missed.
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July 23, 2010
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Royce Robertsonr said:
I love the program The Deadliest Catch, love the Captains and love you, Mike, as the moderator of the program. I am still mourning Captain Phil’s death. I wish the best and pray for the safety of all the other crews who remain.
Thank you for the great job that you do, and thanks to all of the Captains and their crews who allow us to share in their lives.
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July 23, 2010
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Christine said:
I wish I had the chance to meet Phil Harrisor his sons..They are very cool guys and from watching the show I feel I know them. I will miss Phil..very much.I would have done anything to meet him and possibly go for a ride with him on his Harley. I’m sure in heaven we will meet..He was a great man!!
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July 23, 2010
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john nalepka said:
GREAT JOB Mike…Thanks for sharing your memories…RIP CAPT PHIL
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July 23, 2010
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Terry said:
Phil,
I will not miss you. Only because you will always (in some way) be a part of me, now that Mike and the rest of Discovery have brought you into my life. Thanks Mike and thanks Phil, for reassuring me that “authenticity” is still and always, alive.
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July 23, 2010
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MARY JANE KIRO said:
WE WILL MISS YOU CAPTAIN PHIL AND WE WISH THE JOSH AND JAKE AND THE CREW OF THE CORNELIA MARIE THE BEST OF LUCK NEXT SEASON.
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July 23, 2010
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dawn said:
he will so missed he was the sweetest guy.. and he was great person mike u did sucjh a great job god bless
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July 23, 2010
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Michael Pheney said:
Mike you hit the nail on the head, Phil was authentic!!! Thank you for your ability to communicate what so many of us fans saw in Capt. Phil. Our lives are richer for having met him through the eyes of your production crew. PS: we see the same in you Mr. Rowe….you sir..are touching lives also…God’s peace
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July 23, 2010
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Marilyn said:
Thanks Mike for sharing your experiences with Capt. Phil… RIP.. Phil
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July 23, 2010
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lawrence k edgett jr said:
mike my spelling isent the gratest so please bare with me , that was a well spoken commentarie , and me as a veiwer of the show in witch i have watched from the first episodehave gotten use to all that was on , but mostly phil , he was a good man and one hell of a father , i loved how he took care of the problems that came up with the boat and his kidds and crew , now in a way i know how the boys feel with a father who is having heart trouble , couse my dad is battelling probs not the same but close , he lost both his leggs and has been bed ridden him self for 5 yrs now , he has also has had many stroks and heart attacks along the way , but he is god willing still with us , he is also a devoted watcher of the show and also was a big fen of phill and the boys , 2nd to him is the time bandit , same as me , but anyway what im saying is i know how the boys feel , and every day when the phone rings i know its my dad saying good morning , but 1 day i know it will not , it hit my dad hard the day he herd phill died , considering they are close in age it made me scared , and it made me reallise 1 day yr here and the next yr not , now i know by watching the show the boys r strong and have a good head when it comes to crabing and i have seen phill gide them and teach them what to do and how to do it , with sig and john and andy , they will do just fine , the show will not be the same without him at the helm but i know in the boys hearts he in sperit will be in that seat and gideing the corse and the good crab , well thats all i have to say , except for 1 thing i raise a tost to phill and all the captins , and crews who put them selves in harms way for a living that most could not do ,and god willing give them safe passage to the grounds and bk home , thank you for the chance to say a few words ,,,, lawrence k edgett jr
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July 23, 2010
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Dawn B said:
Thanks Mike you did a great job. We will miss you Capt. Phil.
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July 23, 2010
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Christina said:
I will forever miss captain Phil he was one of my favorite captain’s on Deadliest Catch. I will forever miss you captain Phil.
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July 23, 2010
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andy said:
Thanks Mike , the camera crew and all the fisherman that made this show possible.Capt Phil will be etched in the memory of all who met, or watched him through the t.v.He seemed to be the definition of the lamb in wolfs clothing.To see him was not to know him, but it also seemed to know him was a life changing experience for many.He sure defined the rock star , the Harley DUDE and MOST of all THE CAPT. AND DAD.I could not help but get pulled in by Phil AND ALL THE PLAYERS ON THE SHOW.It is hard to fathom what it took to maintain a career in that sea.The only thing is for sure the love of the sea and fishing is like no other love,you can’t leave it or divorce it!We all will be looking out to sea for CAPT Phil every time we go to the sea or the beach.I am also sure he will be there everytime…Best wishes to Josh and Jake and all the other Capt ‘s and crew of the “CATCH”……………Calm winds and smooth seas to ALL…
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July 23, 2010
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Penny said:
Mike, I cried when I found out we’d lost Phil back in February, and I cried again watching the episodes afterwards, and your touching memorial made me cry again… Phil was an original…one of the great ones, and I think you captured his spirit well with your words. RIP Phil…may we all see you again in Heaven.
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July 23, 2010
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Lori said:
May Capt Phil rest in peace, it was one of the saddest shows when he had his heart attack but then when he was getting better I was happy. Then the sudden news about him passing was so sad that it really hit home with me that it really hurt me to know that we lost a very good man and father. THANK YOU CAPT. PHIL
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July 23, 2010
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Iguana_Lil said:
Cap’n Phil was my favorite on the “Deadliest Catch.” My prayers are with his sons. I will miss him so. He had a way of touching everyone in a very special way.
Thanks, Mike Rowe for adding insight into the real Phil. It shows he was exactly the man we saw on the show.
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July 23, 2010
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Dave Whitehead said:
What an excellent job Mr Rowe! I would have been HONERED to meet Cpt Phil. He reminded me SO much of my own father.
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July 23, 2010
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TIM said:
SURELY GOING TO BE MISSED AND THE BEST TO THE CREW AND FAMILY…HOW ABOUT RENAMING ONE THE SITES TO HARRIS BANKS
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July 23, 2010
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Greg said:
It’s amazing who much we really didn’t know Phil, but hear stories and say…”that was Capt. Phil”! No surprises, just a real person who lived life, work hard and play hard! I think the best example of what I’m saying is Capt. Phil was a hard ass and all business on the boat, but when he was off and at home he built bird houses…..That doesn’t surprise me! Once you think you had him figured out, you didn’t but then you think about the way he was his actions didn’t surprise you.
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July 23, 2010
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Chris Garlick said:
Mike, As always, you know exactly what to say and how to say it with truth, style, humor and class. Thank you for sharing this with us. I was never fortunate enough to ever get the chance to meet Phil, but watching him every week on Deadliest Catch for 5 years I felt like I knew him. If I could have had the chance to meet him I would have loved to be able to look into those beautiful blue eyes, hear that wonderful laugh, share a duck fart and get a big hug from someone who was such a big person in character, personality, friendship and most of all, heart!!! I miss him terribly and the show will not be the same without him, but I will be watching every Tuesday night without fail, hoping and praying that Josh, Jake and the Cornelia with her awesome crew will be back to carry on Phil’s dream and legacy :) Sincerely, Chris
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July 23, 2010
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Dominic Vitti said:
Good Job Mike. Captain Phil seemed like a cool shit. You ain’t half bad yourself smartass:)!! RIP Phil
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July 23, 2010
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MARLECIA said:
well, mike well done and we will miss phil and good luck too the boys your dad is very proud of you i would be …
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July 23, 2010
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Jan Helble said:
Mr. Rowe I would like to commend you for a wonderful way you handle all the things with the death of Capt. Phil Harris. I have watched the show from the very beginning and Capt. Phil has made my life feel like a dream. He has handled the boys with great care nd taught thm everything he knows about crabbing, so that they can continue to be the men he mande from young boys. I’m in the beleif that they will continue on with the Cornelia Marie and show the world that they very dely loved their father and with doing so will forever keep their father alive in the hearts of all that got to know him thru ” The Catch”. Thank You
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July 23, 2010
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Allen said:
Wonderful job Mike. If only more guys were like Phil Harris and yourself.
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July 23, 2010
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NICK STEVENS said:
PHIL WAS JUST LIKE MY DAD WHO PASSED IN 89.HE HAD THE SAME CORVETTES AND BUILT BIKES IN MY MOM’S LIVING ROOM. I LOOKED UP TO AND RELATED TO PHIL SO MUCH THAT WHEN HE PASSED, IT WAS THE FIRST TEAR I SHED SINCE MY POPS PASSED. THANKS MIKE FOR BRINGING THAT TO US. I CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HIS KIDS AND ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT THEY MAY GRIEVE THROUGH FAITH.
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July 23, 2010
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Henry said:
R.I.P. Capt. Phil you will be sorely missed. To His 2 sons god bless you both
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July 23, 2010
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Makeda Evans said:
Capt. Phil was my favorite, hands down!! He will be sorely missed, but I know his sons are more than prepared to fill his shoes!!
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July 23, 2010
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PJ Tex Gal said:
Mike, thanks for sharing this great story! I will definitely miss seeing Capt Phil … and hope his boys are OK.
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July 23, 2010
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Marie said:
Well done, Mike. Your tribute to Captain Phil made me teary eyed all over again. He was the real deal and it’s a testament to the man that he was so beloved, and will be missed, by so many. Clear skies and calm seas, Captain Phil.
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July 23, 2010
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Rich Epps said:
Just F&#*!&# awesome, that’s how this great man should be remembered……
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July 23, 2010
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Baine Richards said:
They reminded me of my brother and I with our dad who worked with the Canadian Coast Guard.I cried as it brought back memories of when my father moved on.He(My Dad)told us(My Brother and I)to shove ‘er off Boys as he often did.God Bless you Phil and hang tough Jake and Josh,he will surely be missed.Rest now Skipper.
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July 23, 2010
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Kim Spinney said:
WE WATCH THE SHOW EVERY WEEK AND IT A AWESOME SHOW PHIL WILL MISSED BY MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS KIM AND GORDON SPINNEY……….
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July 23, 2010
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John Zylinski said:
I’ ma volunteer firefighter in NJ, so I like to think I’m pretty good at spotting “real” people. MIke was spot on in saying Phil Harris was “real”. THey didn’t come much more real than Capt. Phil. May the your seas always be calm & your pots always be full. Rest in Peace Phil
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July 23, 2010
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sue said:
Mike, that was one hell of a talk you gave, thank you for sharing it with everyone. I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye when it ended. It was nice to hear some of the other things Capt. Phil did, and I hope I can live the rest of MY life half as much as he lived his. It seems that those guys all live every minute like it’s their last. They’re all 100% on purpose and so alive and in the moment. I think about the boys since Phil’s passing and wonder how they’re doing. I lost half my family all at once and know it’s difficult, and one thing that amazed me was the outpouring of support from people I hardly even knew. If those guys are anything like me, then they must be overwhelmed by this outpouring of love and condolences, sympathy and support from so many people. I can’t wait to watch the show again next season, although it will certainly be missing a big part – that of Captain Phil Harris.
Best Regards to you and all the guys on D. Catch, Sue.
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July 23, 2010
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Cheryl said:
So long Captain Phil
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July 23, 2010
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Cindy said:
Great job Mike!! RIP Phil…
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July 23, 2010
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MARILYNN said:
Awesome job Mike thank you ! Capt Phil was a awesome tough but gentle Captain! will miss him so much. my heart is sad but when i see his pic’s i smile i know he is up there watching,saying ahh come on you guys get ya butts out to sea and i’ll be watching over you ! MISS YA DUDE !!!!!!! Grneyes
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July 23, 2010
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Shannon said:
Well said Mike, he would have like that!
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July 23, 2010
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reed said:
VERY NICE MIKE!!! WE ARE GOING TO MISS CAPTAIN PHIL , HIM AND SIG HANSEN, AND JOHNATHAN, ARE MY FAVORITES. MIKE ROWE YOU ARE THE MAN PHIL WOULD OF ENJOYED THAT THANKS . RIP CAPTAIN PHIL
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July 23, 2010
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Carole said:
Mike, you gave a wonderful tribute to Phil. He was always my favorite right from the get go of the Show….like you said he WAS the real deal… He was outwardly gruff but you always knew he was a pussy cat inside and how he loved his boys. So sad to lose him at the young age of 52. Smooth sailing, Phil.
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July 23, 2010
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Amy said:
Very nicely done Mike! You did him proud!
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July 23, 2010
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Mary said:
Well said Mike and Well Done Discovery!
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July 23, 2010
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Robert G said:
Just saying thanks. Nice job Mike!
Phil was a real guy good and bad.
Many of your people on dirty jobs will and do get Phil, and the rest of the capt’s, as well as the legion of us out here working to make a living.
Phil and the guys just get to do it in an environment that challenges the soul.
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July 24, 2010
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Allison Davis-Palmquist said:
My husband and I have been avid watchers of DC from the beginning as have many followers of the show. We were deeply brokenhearted when we found out Captain Phil passed away in February. This season has been difficult to watch and the dread only grew worse as the season played on and we knew what was coming. We felt we owed it to Capt. Phil to watch. After last weeks episode I think I cried for an hour as I quietly caught my husband shedding a tear here and there. As we have had a difficult two years in our lives it was Capt. Phil that gave us the outlet to let it all out. It’s hard to find real people on TV anymore and the cast of DC are real people. I’m very thankful to the Discovery Channel for keeping it real and respectful. Thank you for giving us closure. Captain Phil kept it real. He lived his life on his terms and he never apologized for it. Those Harris boys, Josh and Jake are going to do just fine. They have alot of their father in them. I think it’s the crab that might want to watch out for them!!! The’ve got the ‘old man’ helping out from above!
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July 24, 2010
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Patrick W. said:
We will all miss you Capt. Phil Harris.
God bless you and your sons. Patrick and Linda whitt