Discovery Channel Plans for Public Memorial and Tribute for Captain Phil Harris
Feb 14th, 2010 by admin
Discovery Channel has announced it will celebrate the late Captain with a special Deadliest Catch marathon. The first two hours will be a best-of from the series’ fourth season which will include some of Captain Phil Harris’ greatest moments. The Deadliest Catch marathon will air Saturday, February 20 between noon ET and 3 am ET/PT. A special tribute show is also in the works, but no air date has been announced.
It has also been learned that a plaque will be dedicated to Captain Phil at the Fisherman’s Memorial in Seattle not far from the very spot the Captain called home. The memorial serves as a tribute to over 500 fisherman who have given their lives to the sea.
Discovery Channel and exec producer Thom Beers are discussing plans to produce a tribute to “Deadliest Catch” star Capt. Phil Harris.
No deal is firm yet, said Beers, who caught a flight Wednesday to see Harris’ family. But a special is likely, he added and Discovery confirmed.
“He’ll be a big part of the season and the series…But this is a huge loss to the series.”
However whether the Cornelia Marie — which resumed opilio crab fishing with relief captain Derek Ray following Harris’ stroke – will remain part of Deadliest Catch going forward is currently undecided, according to Beers.
“The fate and the future of the Cornelia Marie and crew (are) up in the air…I’m flying up to meet with his sons and figure out what to do going forward.”
Funeral plans for Captain Phil Harris have still not been finalized, however Discovery has confirmed that plans for a public memorial service are in the works, although they have yet to release any specifics at this time.
Finally on the Northwestern’s website a simple tribute was posted in Phil’s honor..
CAPTAIN PHIL HARRIS
1956-2010
He was called home on February 9th and will forever be remembered…
The show will never be the same without Phil, he was one of a kind. I will definitely be watching the marathon, and I can’t wait for the new season in April. I would like to encourage Josh and Jake to keep the Cornelia Marie on the show, Phil will still seem like a part of the show. He always will be, no matter what. We’ll miss him alot. Rest In Peace, Captain Phil, you were a great captain.
One never knows when their name will be called. My thoughts and orayers wre with the family and friends. I and my family have been hooked on this show since the begining. This year it will have special meaning and feelings associated with. Rest in peace captain Phil, and thanks for the memories.
May god give the Harris family strength and peace in this time of need
I remember when Phil first got sick on of the things he said while he was recovering was that he hoped he had taught the boys enough for life without him . Jake and Josh your father would want you to be out in the Bering sea crabbing on his fart bubbles , he was a wonderful character and may God bless his soul
Make dad proud boys his sprit will be forever be with you all and in the captain chair protecting his crew
The three of us women in our household have watched the show from the beginning and enjoy ALL the captains. Phil Harris is definitely one of a kind however and a favorite. Our hearts are with his sons. We too lost our dad way too soon so we know how hard this is. Band together, lean on each other and your friends and may God help you through this very hard time in your lives. There are three more prayers being said for you both.
I am broken hearted of the passing of Captain Phil. He was my favorite Captain of them all. My heart is heavy for his son’s which, you could see he loved so much and was very proud of.
I pray they can keep his legacy going although this is such a sad time. Jake and Josh are such good guys and have a lot of their great Dad inside them. I pray strength to the boy’s and Captain Phils family and friends.
I pray for Captain Phil…..”FOREVER RED SKY’S AT NIGHT…A SALOR’S DELIGHT”
The show will never be the same and will have an empty spot and so will my heart.
I love you Captain Phil… Peace
Sandy
Everyone will miss you Captain Phil………. you left us with soo many great memories…… And already you see you will not be forgotten through all of these great tributes…..
one never knows when it is time to leave this earth for a more peaceful place,he certainly is there ,he was a joy to watch and really made the series it won’t be the same without him but ,that should be so encouraging for his son’s to keep going and be so proud of the legacy he left for them to continue..I will not miss the feburary 20th airing and will look forward to the next series ,this is truly one of the most breathtaking shows to date…my prayers are with his family to heal the hurt and remember the gift he gave all of us to watch and enjoy his wonderful smile and lifestyle
I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me,
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole.
Where every day is a day to fish,
To fill your heart with every wish.
Don’t worry, or feel sad for me,
I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea.
We will miss each other for awhile,
But you will come and bring your smile.
That won’t be long you will see,
Till we’re together you and me.
To all of those that think of me,
Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I’m missin’
Just tell ‘em I’ve gone fishin’
Following seas, Captain Phil and may the wind always fill your heavenly sails. Keep the boat on the show boys, your father would have wanted you to do that for his memory and for all the people all over the world who truly loved him as much as you do. Our hearts are heavy with this loss. May God bless and keep you until you meet your dad once again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this most difficult time.
I will definetly be watching the marathon. I agree with most, the show will not be the same without Captain Phil, but I would like to see Josh and Jake continue with the Cornelia Marie as part of Deadliest Catch. My thoughts and prayers are with Captain Phil’s family and friends. I will miss him also.
Peace and God be with you all,
Karen
Rest in peace Phil! Loved the way he (and all the others on Deadliest Catch) are tough guys & the work proves it, but when another needs help, the toughness goes & compassion sets in! I enjoyed the way Phil treated his kids with toughness & made them EARN their way up the ladder! MOre parents should do that! Best guote,”Now you know why lions eat their young!” AS tough as he was with his kids, you could see Phil busting with pride!
I hope this wakes up others to try (& I know, I was an over the road, owner operator truck driver for 35 years & drank gallons of coffee, little sleep, smoked way to many cigarettes) and live a little healthier. I didn’t until I retired but still slip up! Life’s short, and the money’s not worth it!
Anyway, Phil, ride that Harley hard & fast where you are & be proud of the fact that Josh & jake will be just fine! They should be as they had a foul mouthed grumpy old P*&#^K that pushed them to make better men out of themselves, while inside I’m sure his pride in both was just waiting to bust out! Phil did a good job on you two young men! Plus, Dad will always be with you!
I am sorry for your loss. I still want to see the Cornelia Marie & the crew for many seasons to come! I lost my father quickly, but he was doing what he wanted when he went. A lot of people can’t say that! Hang in there guys! Expect to see you next season again & next time in your heart you’ll know the Ole’ Man is still sailing with you always! Ernie
I always thought of Phil being like a grizzley bear with a teddy bear heart. He was and still is my favorite captain. He is and will always be missed. As much as I would love to see Josh and Jake keep the Cornelia Marie going it would be understandable if they decide not too. Phil was proud of his boys and I guess he thought they are ready to go on their own on whatever life hands them. I pray that Sig, Johnathan and Keith and the rest of the gang listen to what Phil had to say to them Feb. 9th.
Phil, you are loved and forever missed. Guess God wanted to go crab fishing and called on the best.
Love ya, Linda
I love watching the “Deadliest Catch” and always, because of Capt. Phil Harris. There was something special about him. He was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a big lovable bear. I hope that his sons get through this very sad time; just know that there are many people out there who thought very highly of your Dad. My prayers go out to you and to the rest of the family. The show will never be the same. May he rest in peace.
Our family always watched Deadliest Catch and loved to see Capt. Phil. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Harris boys during this sad & difficult time. The show has lost a someone very special & will not be the same without Capt. Phil. R.I.P Capt. Phil
sadness is what i feel at this time Rip Capt Phil
I couldn’t believe it when I heard about phil. I got to know everybody and it;s like your a part of the family. I’m so sad and I wish everybody the best. xoxoxo Love Willowjac!
My thoughts go out to Captain Phils family for their loss.Phil was my favorite Captain,i will miss seeing him along with his sons and crew.He always acted so rough and tough but then u could see he also had a softer side .Hope his boys continue on the Cornelia Maria.I am sure their dad would have wanted that.
RIP Captain Phil you will be greatly missed
Heather
We have been Deadliest Catch fans since the first season and can’t wait for the next season to air. When we heard of Capt Phil’s passing, we were very saddened; he truly was a great guy–he may have been rough on the outside, but it was certainly obvious that he was a kind-hearted, loving, and compassionate man on the inside—we need more of those in this world. Phil and the crew of the Cornelia Marie have been among our favorites from the start; how can one not get caught up in the ‘family’ on board the CM? A couple of years ago when he had the problem with the blood clot, we watched and worried and were relieved when he left the hospital having survived an ordeal that most do not. He later mentioned that that ordeal forced him to face his own mortality. We’re so glad that he was able to spend a couple more seasons on the Bearing Sea with his sons doing what he loved and sharing his experience with the family and friends he loved. Thanks, Capt Phil, for sharing with us, your Deadliest Catch fans, as well, and thanks, Jake and Josh, for sharing your father with the world–he will be missed. Best of luck to the crew of the Cornelia Marie; Phil will always be with you.
My husband and I are faithful followers of DC and we were terribly saddened by the passing of Capt. Phil; the show won’t be the same without him. A crusty man on the outside but you could tell he had a gentle and giving heart on the inside. He gave his heart and sole to his sons Jake and Josh, and his mind and sole to the sea. He loved what he did and he did it well. He will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace Capt. Phil; you’re soaring with the Angels now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Josh & Jake in the loss of your father.
I got to meet Phil at a boat show in my home town in San Diego with my wife and two sons. We watched the show religiously and would visit the locks in Seattle while visiting my sister whom lives there. I am an avid saltwater fisherman and have recently lost a dear fishing buddy to cancer. He was 40 years my senior and taught me so much about the ocean. I am 43. Family members, myself and a few close friends spread his ashes at sea as he requested. I feel his presents when im offshore. I hope Josh and Jake can have that same comfort at sea knowing that the old man is still there. When ever I catch a fish now, I look up and thank my friend. I hope the next full pot gives his boys a sense that pop’s still takin care of business. As a father of two boys myself, I know when love runs deep and he sure loved his boys. Rest in peace capitain Phil. You will be missed but your legacy will live on through your sons, at least I hope so! I hope we haven’t seen the last of the Cornelia Marie. My prayers go out to his family, friends and fans. Fish On!
Josh & Jake,
Deadliest Catch is one of my favorite shows and your father was one of the reasons why. He had great character and his immense love for the both of you was obvious. I continue to watch the show, but it will never be the same. My sympathies & prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Melissa C.
Rochester, MN
Best Wish Captn Phil
May you have smooth sailing and calm sea’s
and plenty of crab in your pots. [ in heaven ]
beat wishes and gods blessing to both your boys
May god give them strenth to keep going.
patypat
I got into looking at The Deadliest Catch when my sister from Wrightsville Beach told me about it a year ago. I was so sad to hear when Capt Phil Harris left us and went to a better place. I will miss him and I give his family my prayers and the strength to go on. I have watched all day today the special of The Deadliest Catch (Feb 20 2010). They all have a tough job and I know they love it or they would not do it. Again my thoughts and my heart goes out to Capt Phil Harris family. I love this show and the hard work these brave men to. We miss you very much Capt Phil Harris.
My thoughts and prayers are with Capt Phil’s sons and the rest of his family. I’ve been watching the show for so many years, it just won’t be the same without him. His presence will certainly be missed. He became part of my “family” and I always loved watching him and the things that would set him off…I’m sure Jake and Josh will miss that about their Dad too. They will certainly never be short on memories but I know first hand how hard it is to lose your Dad. It’s scary how short life can be. Please know your extended family has you in their thoughts. May God Bless.
Sincerely
Nancy Bellina
Bradley Beach, NJ
Rest in peace Phil we love you and will miss you. The fleet lost one of the best captians it had. May the Lord guide and keep your family.
My husband and I have became faithful followers of the deadliest catch and are saddened by the death of Captian Phil’s may he rest in peace and are thoughts are with his family.
Sincerely
Chris and Cindi Reeves
Captain Phil was our favorite Captain (no offense to the others). We loved how he would be cursing and yelling up a storm one minute and then telling Josh he “loved him and to not worry” the next. You could tell that his family meant so much to him and I guess that’s what made him special. He cared, not only for his sons but his entire crew, like they were family and it showed. He made the show for our family. We will continue to watch Deadliest Catch but there will be a hole in our hearts for Cpt Phil Harris.
I pray that I may live to fish…….
Until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast,
I then most humbly pray:
When in the Lord’s great landing net
And peacefully asleep
That in His mercy I be judged
Big enough to keep.
I want you to know that when I heard the news of Phil passing, I felt like a member of my own family was taken from us. We have brought you in to our home so often that my sons know all of you and talk about you as you were next door nieghbors! It seemed odd to them, that they cryed over his death and they did not know him personally! The lose of Phil is a great sadness that no one can ever make right, I wish peace and comfort to you and your family!
We feel the lost of Mr. Harris. Our prayers are with the family,an hope the boys are gettin thru the tough times. I love watchin the show and will keep on watchin. sincerly the smith family
My husband and I would like to extend our sympathies not only to Josh and Jake but to the crewmembers of the Cornelia Marie, friends of the family, the rest of the captains and crews, and also to the D.C. producers and cameramen. Phil Harris had such an impact on people who never even met him that he surely was a strong presence in the lives of all who really knew him.
My husband loves to watch episodes in which Jake and Josh get Phil all riled up and laughs when Phil takes the boys down several pegs with a few choice words. Personally, I always get a chuckle out of Phil’s various “crab locating” techniques – like bubbles from crab farts.
Phil – we never met you, but you definitely made an impression on us. Thank you for the laughs and for letting us live vicariously through you. R.I.P.
I have also been a fan of the Deadliest Catch from the beginning. Watching just how difficult the is work out there should give everyone a greater appreciation for what they do! Being a captain certainly isn’t easy and it’s hard to be nice when you have to also be the boss. Capt. Phil Harris always knew just how to do both. He could yell at someone one minute for something they had done, and in the next minute he was getting soft already! I will truly miss him not being on the show! When I heard what had happened I was very sad and scared for him and was glad when he first recovered from the blood clot scare he had had. I know it meant a lot to him to be able to have more time with his sons because that was something he really worried about. I’m glad for Josh and Jake that they also had the time with their dad. I hope the Cornelia Marie will be back, but I know that trying to follow in their fathers footsteps certainly won’t be easy either! I wish them both the best as well as the crew.
Josh and Jake,
If my tears could build a stairway to heaven, it certainly would be built to bring our Captain back home to us. I know you both will do well in life because of the Father you had. He was ruff and gruff at times but always showed that tender heart. He was a man with confidence of who he was but he is the only Captain I saw on Deadliest catch who put his crew’s saftey first. Be PROUD of your heritage, honor him as I know you will and always keep the memories in your hearts. I don’t think I will have another favorite Captain on the show to love so much! Not that any of them are bad but Captain Phil was a special man sent from God. I will miss him dearly!
Sincerely from the bottom of my heart!
Melanie Almas
i always used to say to my dad when i was watching the show, if i was out there, out off all the boats and captains, you were the one i always wanted to sail aboard on.
r.i.p big fella
Jake & Josh, my heart goes out to you guys for your loss. It’s always too early to lose your old man, doesn’t matter how old you are. Keep in mind, and don’t ever forget, how proud he is and will always be of the two of you. You are his heart and soul, and for that, he will live on…from a fisherman of the northeast, I wish you guys all the best, be safe and always be proud of the legacy you bear…..
Jonny “Batman” Badams
I’m sorry for ur lose, I know UR pain, I lose my Dad 12 months ago and I still have the pain of that with me and I miss him SO much but, God must have needed him in heaven to fix something…that was my Dad a fixer….SO God must have needed a GREAT Crab fisherman, and he needed ur Dad….WE dont have to ask why, because he is the ONLY one that knows……U guys have wonderful memories, other than the ones we get to see on TV….Ur dad taught u and his comments and lessons will always be with u….KEEP ur heads high…UR dad would tell ya that…LOVE u guys..not just the show..GOD BLESS U….
To The Harris Family:
My prayers are with you as you grieve for you dad and friend.I know how hard it can be to lose someone that you are close to.I lost 2 sisters,a niece,and 2 nephews in a house fire and I was devastated for the longest time.Just know that God will not give you more than you can handle and he is carrying you when you think you are alone just know God is there and he is listening.
To the Cornelia Marie Crew & Sons
To the crew: my longtime girlfriend & I only had two things in common about TV that we liked when we got together & that was Deadliest Catch & Phil Harris.You all seemed like brothers fishing with your salty uncle who makes a hard time seem as fun as it could possibly be.
To the sons: we feel that a dad should be like your dad, giving us a hard time when we deserved it, but didn’t want it & giving us love when we wanted it, but didn’t deserve it.
To the fans including myself and anybody who knew him: he made us like & trust that you guys would be coming home safe everytime.
And now he is catching Jesus some fish.
Harlie & Selina Baltimore, Maryland
I fell in love with Capt. Phill the first moment I laid eyes on him…… he was the reason I tuned in to the show ( of course I am hooked now…… I love those boys ( Josh and Jake ) and want to know what they are up to….. a large part of me wants them to remain with the show… but it is a dangerouse job… so a large part of me would like to see them doing something else…… I won’t give up watch deadleist catch ever…. but not a show will go by that i don’t miss Phil………. today any reminder of him….. a commercial…… something in a magazine still brings tears to my eyes……. I am just a distraught fan…… I have no idea how the family copes…….Harris family the fans love you….. at least this one does.
To the Harris family, The crew of the cornelia Marie and all who knew him.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you always and we are truly sorry for your loss of a great man. R.I.P big fella. Although i did not know him personaly i shed many a tear when i heard the sad news.The Deadliest catch will not be the same. Best of luck to Josh and Jake for the future ,what ever it may hold for you both, hold your heads high one day you will smile those cheaky smiles again(hopfuly on deadliest catch) your dad lives on in you both and will be forever watching over you.To all who work on the bearing sea, i shake your hands,pat your backs and drink a toast to you all,you risk your lives to feed your families and give those on land the luxury to eat crab. To those who have lost their lives on the bearing sea may you all R.I.P.
sincerely
Venesa Stubbings
Mole Creek
Tasmainia
What a loss!
Ede (Netherlands)
R.I.P. Phil. met you once at a function in Ballard, Washington. Immediately knew that you were a man of means, compassion, and very giving of your personal time. Jake and Josh, There is absolutely no doubt about how much your father was loved by all, and he raised to awesome sons, and beamed with pride and joy whenever he would talk about the two of you. Whatever choice you make regarding the Cornelia Marie, the world will understand. God Bless you. For the rest of the boat captains, Sig, Jonathan, Andy, Keith, and Murray, know that Captain Phil with always be on the Bering Sea watching after you……. It’s the way he wants it now……..
My heart broke when I heard the news. Condolences to Captain Phil’s family and all that loved him.