UPDATE: Mike’s Podcast read of his tribute to Phil. HERE
If you’d like to donate to the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial in honour of Captain Phil, please visit FISHERMEN’S MEMORIAL
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.
Me: Hey Phil, how’s it going?
Phil: Mike, I got nothing to say to you until you ride my bike.
Me: Beg your pardon?
Phil: I said that you and I have nothing to talk about until you ride my bike. Got it?
With that, Phil walked me out to his bike, tossed me his keys, crossed his arms, and waited for me to ride off. And so I did. Really, I didn’t have much of a choice.
That was Phil Harris. He had a unique kind of generosity – the kind that sprung from a genuine enthusiasm for whatever it was he chose to focus on. It could be anything. Sometimes he focused on catching crab. Sometimes he focused on his boys, Josh and Jake. In that particular moment, he was focused on the joy of riding his new motorcycle, and he wanted to share that joy with me. He insisted upon it. That’s an unusual quality I think, and a very good one.
Not long after his embolism, I ran into Phil in Las Vegas. I was giving a speech at The ConAgra Convention, and he was doing a series of appearances for a pulley company that had set up a large booth in the exhibit area. During a break, I wandered over to watch Phil talk to his fans. There were many. They had lined up to wait for an autograph and a handshake from the now famous skipper, and the line was growing at an alarming rate.
I stood behind a nearby display, unobserved, and watched Phil carefully as he interacted with his fans. Some people are better at this sort of thing than others, and Phil was very good indeed. He handled his notoriety in a completely genuine way – as though he’d always had it. He focused on every single person who waited to meet him, and found something original to say at every turn. He answered questions that were way too personal, and stayed well beyond his required time, waiting until the last person in line shook his hand, an older guy who told Phil how pleased he was for the chance to meet a genuine American hero. Phil blushed, signed the guys hat, and thanked him for waiting to say hello.
I have many memories of Phil. I wish I had more. One of my favorites was a night in LA (I think it was LA – it might have been NY. Forgive me, they all blend together now.) Regardless, it was a Discovery-sponsored event that included a bunch of their talent. Most of the Captains were there, along with me, The Mythbusters, Bear Grylls…the usual suspects. Also in attendance was David Zaslav.
David Zaslav is the CEO of Discovery Communications. He is The Big Cheese. The Head Honcho. The Top Dog. He is responsible for overseeing a dozen separate channels, and runs the leading provider of non-fiction entertainment on the face of the earth. He has become legendary, not only for what he’s accomplished in business, but also for having an attention span that rivals the life of a fruit fly. It’s true. David calls meetings that are sometimes adjourned a minute after they begin. He is very smart, and not terribly patient with those who can’t keep up. He does not sit still – ever. He is always moving. And he is constantly surrounded by people who are charged with keeping away those who might suck up his valuable time with mindless chatter.
Anyway, I was there the night David Zaslav met Phil Harris. David came hurtling through the room at the speed of sound, shaking hands and spreading sunshine. His retinue followed like the tail of a comet, and he was on his way back out the door when Phil walked in. I can swear that what I’m about to tell you is the honest truth. David and Phil shook hands, and began to chat.
Thirty seconds later, they were still talking.
A minute later – still talking.
People began to stare. Five minutes later, they were still at it. Phil was mostly listening, but David was talking intensely – and people began to speculate about what a crab boat captain and a media mogul could possibly have in common. Then, to the amazement of those who witnessed it, David and Phil wandered off to a quiet corner away from everyone else. There, they sat, and continued to talk!
This was simply unprecedented. Every few minutes, someone would slide over to extract David from this most unusual confab, but every time David would wave them away. When Phil threatened to light up indoors, David led him outside, where they remained for over an hour. Standing there. Talking. Just the two of them.
Eventually, David and Phil said their goodbyes, and Phil joined me at the bar. “Hey, you know who that was?”
“Tell me,” I said.
Phil threw back a poorly made duck fart and replied, “That was the president of the whole damn channel.”
I smiled. “Well actually, he’s the CEO of the whole damn network.”
“Is that right?” said Phil. “Well, whatever. He seems like a nice guy. Kind of chatty, but his heart’s in the right place.”
Extraordinary. In the history of time, no one has ever described David Zaslav as “chatty.”
I guess it comes down to this. The world is desperate for authenticity. In business and in real life. In work and play. We crave it I think, because it’s in such short supply. Consequently, when we see it, we’ll wait for it. We’ll watch it on TV. We’ll stand in line for a chance to be near it. Fans, fishermen, CEO’s – we know authenticity when we see it, even if we’re not looking for it. And Phil Harris had it in spades.
I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him. However, I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic.
And one hell of a Captain.
Mike Rowe
Visit CORNELIA MARIE
Memorial – streamed live 4/30/10 at 6:30 P/9:30 ET: WEBCAST
1,232 Comments
Hey, Mike. I didn’t know Phil, other than what I saw of him on the show, but it doesn’t surprise me that he was such a genuine person. There aren’t many of them out there in this world…or at least I should say, “We need more of them”.
Not sure if you ever had the honor of meeting Ernie Harwell, voice of the Detroit Tigers for many years, but he was a lot like Phil; warm, personable, genuine to the core. I only share that example, because he is probably the only celebrity that struck me as Phil did.
But do me a favor, Mike. Take a bow for the work you do, too. Dirty Jobs is hilarious, yet educational, and your narration for Deadliest Catch brings things into perspective for the viewer. Bravo, Sir.
We’ll miss Captain Phil, but the Cornelia Marie will continue to search the Bering Sea for crab. I only hope Discovery keeps her crew on the show, at least for this season, so we know what comes of them.
Thanks, Mike!
He was something else, that’s for sure he was the real deal. YES HE WAS!! I tell you this Mike as well as many others already have, your trueness, honesty, loyalty to the show and definitely to these HEROS of the OCEAN, made me as a 43yr. old man CRY. My wife and I really miss him. We both shed tears of pain and relief for PHIL. We totally enjoy and respect what not only these crews do but the crew that does the filming and editing (narrating!!!!) DO for the viewers and fans. With much respect thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!! Respectfully yours David and Rana Spears, South Shore, Ky.
Mike………………..Great words about Phil. He was someone everyone should have had the chance to meet, and you and the Discovery Channel brought Phil into our homes and to us, giving us a chance to “meet” him. I think your style and voice-over delivery are very “special” and highlight why the show is so good. Your authenticity shows when you do After the Catch. Thanks
Did you ever think to auction off the bird houses for charity? He had an unbelievable talent. If so, I will be one of those bidders. To his sons,we love you like you are our own sons. I myself had a dad who wasnt around much in my younger part of life, but at least your dad made up for it ten fold and you have sooo much video to always remember him by. Love from The Dauplaise Family Ware, Mass
I say this with the highest of praise, you are the new Rod Serling.
That was a wonderful tribute. Phil Harris reminded us how to be better people. True and genuine. Thank you for sharing that with all of us.
This season was very hard to watch knowing in the end that we loss Capt. Phil Harris. I felt the loss of our beloved captain and a deep sadness and sorrow for Josh and Jake. Losing my own father was very hard and I know what the boys are going though. It is going to be very hard to watch next season without Captain Phil. The tributes to the captain have been wonderful. Thanks for the memories shared.
Thanks for sharing these private moments with Phil. I don’t know anyone else who could have done it better. How fortunate to have been able to develope a relationship, however small, and then be generous enough to share it with those of us who were only able to know Phil through tv. No matter, I learned to love him and I mourned his passing as deeply as I have mourned many in my own family. Granted, perhaps not for as long but ever so deeply do I miss this man.
Perfectly said Mike. I’ve watched the show from the beginning and when Phil passed I felt as if I had lost a member of my own family. It’s amazing how a person can feel that way and have never met the person they miss. That, to me, speaks loads to the kind of man Phil Harris was. He will be missed!
I love Mike Rowe and Capt. Phil – 2 class acts. Mike you did an awesome job with After The Catch shows and with the Capt. Phil Tribute. Capt. Phil will be greatly missed! Great Job Mike! We will still be tuning in every Tuesday night. The down to earth, honest everyday working people are the best kind! Hats off to the Discovery Crew also!!!
Hell of a eulogy Mike.
Not knowing him at all, it seems that Capt. Phil Harris was someone whose genuine, authentic attributes are apparent from the start.
Hearing the stories of his life, none of them surprise me. After just a few episodes of the show, it was quite apparent that Phil was a good man at heart. Didn’t need to know him his whole life to see that.
Mike that one hell of a good way to say your thoughts and i could not said any better. I believe that we are all going to miss Phil and his smile. Your good bye brought me to tear. Capt Phil,We miss you and all Love you !!!!!
A man’s man. Damn, not many of them left. R.I.P. Sir.
Thank you Mike, For saying it as only you can. He was a Great Father and Captain, as they all are or they wouldn’t be on the show. But Phil was an exception to the rule, as being a father he wanted his boys to be the men he knew they would be someday and I think what he instilled as ethics will in turn be passed on to their children, Capt Phil will be proud of his sons, for passing that great legacey on. Thank you Mike
Thanks for sharing this. You have a way of painting a wonderful picture of Captain Phil. My boyfriend and I have watched Deadliest Catch since the beginning and I always liked Phil. He reminds me of my dad, similar personalities and they somewhat look alike. One thing that makes them different is the love that he had for his kids. My father and I haven’t had a relationship in two and a half years. Every time I watched the show, I always wished that my dad could be even more like him. I hope I can have a closer relationship with him, just like Phil and his boys one day.
I have been following the Catch series since the first episode. I can count on one hand the number of times I have cried as an adult, Mike Rowe, you added a digit.
RIP Captain Phil, to say you will be missed is like saying Phoenix is warm in the summer. An understated response to a remarkable human being. ♥
Mike,
Like countless others I can’t thank you enough for the honest and compassionate words you had for Phil Harris. As I read this article I keep thinking, ‘yes, right on the nose’ with phrase after phrase. Again, like thousands of others, I’ll miss the skipper, I’ve cried just like the others and pray for the boys as the others. I’m sure Josh and Jake have been told but I just want to say, they had an amazing father, they’re lucky to have loved him and to have his love, and especially lucky that someone came along, made a show about him, ( and the whole Deadliest Catch crew) and they have hours of video footage to show their kids one day what a unique, honest, caring and loving man he was. We’ll miss you Captain Phil!
That was a nice read, keep up the good work, Toban Rinehart/Malibu,Ca
Thanks to all who produced the show. Mike Rowe brought more to our live with his tales. Capt was a honest hard working person. I got a chance to also sit with him for over and hour. Something I will never forget. I think that makes it even harder on you. He treated me like I was one of the family. Like my daughter was one of his kids. We all will truely miss this American Legend. Thank you all. Cant wait for Mike to start making some tours so we can sit with him.
You made me cry… what a story…. what a skipper! We will all miss him…!!
Mike, That was so poignant and heartfelt. What you said about authenticity and Phil having it in spades was spot on. It was always a hoot watching Phil work his magic aboard the Cornelia Marie whether it was precision fishing the ‘Rockpile’ or agonizing over his son’s purchase of the flat screen TV with his credit card with the classic line “now you know why lions eat their young”.
Phil was watchable because he was relatable. His heart was on his sleeve for the world to see on ‘Catch’. He would make you learn, laugh and ultimately cry when he passed away. I believe the world was a better place because of Phil. R.I.P.
Beautiful Mike – just beautiful…
Mike
That was awesome, it gave me goose bumps!! The past weeks shows have been amazing and your coverage and empathy have help us all deal with our emotions!
Thanks
Matt
Wow. I’m not the best putting my thoughts in words. you on thre other hand have said it all. thank you so much for helping me and others to know a great man even better. The world is a better place because of people like Phil and yourself.
Very nice Mike. I never met Phil, but he seemed like the real deal and will surely be missed by very many people.
Cheers!
Love Captain Phil!! I will miss him on the show, wish I’d known him personally.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, nicely put! I’ve watched this show from birth to death. As well as the reruns and still going.
What a shame for such a great crew to lose such a powerful man in the fishermen’s world AND in ours… All of us here (in my world), in your world, and in the T.V. & internet worlds will surely miss you Captain Phil AND the intensity of a fisherman’s life, in the view of our own home. What a great program, so intense at times sitting on the edge of the couch watching the ice freeze up to 6 inches or more, or wondering if someone’s life would be lost in the upcoming storms, in the sea of the deep.
I just wish I could have been that cloud above, overhanging, on that 2 hour conversation. ;o)
R.I.P Captain Phil we loved you in life and we’ll continue to love you in death..
Well said. Cheers.
Mike .. well said. IF there was ever a man worthy of authenticity it is Capt. Phil!
Damn Mike, that story was awesome!
You know Phil is in heaven taking over the boat Jesus was on when He stated peace be still….and Phil is there yelling….bring it on!!!!!!!!!
Mike, that was great. You said it all. We’ll miss him. Keep up the great work.
The first time I watched Deadliest Catch I decided that the Cornelia Marie was my favorite boat and Captain Phil, my favorite captain. My heart broke when I found out he had died and the last few episodes of the show have been hard to watch. My sister died in July of last year and since then losing anyone seems more difficult.
I remember when I first found out he had passed and I cried, real oh-my-goodness-I-just-lost-someone-who-means-a-lot-to-me tears and my husband (who has never been able to understand how I can cry at a TV show or movie) started to say something to me and I stopped him before he had a chance with the words, “You can’t say it’s just a TV show because these people are real!” With that I cried for all the people who just lost their hero and for me who just lost the same and my husband sat there with me while I cried.
Thank you for these beautiful words that helped me to get to know Captain Phil just a little bit better. He will be so missed.
Capt. Phil and his boys were the main reason I’d rush home from work and turn on Deadliest Catch ! Capt Phil will always be in our heart forever! Best show on tv yet! I always thought Dale Earnhardt would be the last I’d say it about but God knows there will Never be another Capt. Phil again! My heart and prayers go out to the boys and their families and the crews I know Phil loved you all as family ! RIP Capt Phil!
The world needs more Phil Harris like people in it. I didn’t know him but I will miss him.
CAPTAIN PHIL CAME OFF AS A STAND UP MAN AS DO YOU, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK…
That was the BEST eulogy I have read. Straight from the heart. You did see the real Phil, whether you think so or not. You and Phil share something in common, the human aspect. You both are real, not fake, like some on TV. And Phil could see that. As we all can. You can not BS a real person. And Phil was as real as they come. As you are. Which is why Phil is loved and will long be remembered. And that same attitude is why you are loved and watched also. THANK YOU Mike, this was the best eulogy I have seen.
Kathy in Florida
Just want to say Mike that you could not have said it any better. When I first started watching the show it was because of you.. Then here came Phil, with that crass sense of humor of his…. His demeanor was like no other. He will be greatly missed on the show….
Normally I am one to be “chatty” in life… with what you just wrote and how well you put it… I am at a loss for words. All I can say is thank you Mike. Thank you for putting on Paper what I think most of us feel for someone special in our lives. Be it Captain Phil, your mother or the like… To have someone touch your life in a way that you won’t soon forget, is a blessing.
Fondest Wishes
Giggles
I’ve been a fan of Deadliest Catch since the first season, and therefore a fan of Captain Phil for just as long. He’s certainly a person I wish I’d had the chance to meet – although the show does a wonderful job of making one feel as if they know the fishermen personally. Deadliest Catch has been a perfect fit to capture not only Captain Phil’s larger than life personality but also his “tender” side – particularly his love and concern for his sons. That’s what made him so compelling to me.
The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Rest in peace, Captain Phil… you will be missed.
Mike, you’re a bit of a legend yourself, and Phil was definitely a star! We’re going to miss him, and the saying “It’s all over but the shouting” certainly isn’t true, because Phil left a legacy of honour and honesty that is hard to find anywhere. Mike, thanks for the eulogy, keep on doing what you’re doing…..do us all a favour plese…and they may have already done it, I’m on the highway hauling flatbed out of Canada into Texas…..please ask if they’ll include a tribute to Phil at the beginning of every episode of Most Dangerous Catch…we’d appreciate it…thanks..Bob Jones…always looking for adventure!
Gonna miss you Capt. May you have good fishing, full pots, calm seas and a fair wind at your back.
Dear Mike,
I had to come back to your excellent story of Phil at the convention with the Discovery Channel CEO to close out the Captain Phil Harris memorial night.
Again, what a superb story, and how well you told it. Thank you.
Tonight the love shown between a father and his sons will be in my mind for a long time to come. Sleep well, raspy, gutsy Captain with a heart of gold.
Thank you Mike. Thank you for speaking so highly of Phil. I have been watching you and the guys for a while now and it’s funny how I feel like I’m part of the discovery family. I hope Phil and his family know how many people across America, and the world, are going to miss their father and their friend.
Keep up the good work Discovery family.
Tonight’s tribute was very difficult to watch – hats off to a respectful show. I do have to say, however, the beer in the pitcher was bugging me (After the Catch)…I got the fact you needed the sponsor up front and visible, however, it didn’t appear many people were drinking it!
Ah, the joys of production! So I raise *my* glass to you, the crews, and the captain. Here’s to a successful season.
Mike,
Were you able to visit Phil while he was in the hospital? He was always my favorite. I will be sure to stock up on kleenex for next weeks show.
Phil Harris was a class act as are you.
He was the real deal, It is very sad
He is gone.
Mike:
Thanks Mike for that touching tribute. The one thing I noticed with Capt Phil that came across to me was his good heart and character. I think all the Captains on Deadly Catch have shown us how character is so vital in one’s life. I see it in your show, Dirty Jobs also. You bring awareness that life is more than accumulating things. The journey may be difficult and challenging, but if you can call the shots, it is your life. Regardless of the occupation, your contribution to a better way to live for others is significant. Thanks again for sharing your memories with us.
Mike,
You have uncanny eloquence in everything you say an do. For not knowing phil “enough to properly eulogize him”, you did a pretty damn good job. I had a hard time understanding why i liked Phil’s salty character so much. You summed it up for me when you called him authentic … the real deal.
I just watched one of the last episodes where Phil was basically disowning his son for stealing his pain medication. I was a bit disillusioned with Phil, until his son confided with him that he had a drug problem. Like a true father Phil did a complete about face and volunteered to go with his son to rehab if that is what it took.
I look forward to Tuesdays ephisode!
I have been dreading this coming week (the episodes leading up to Phil’s collapse) – it’s strange to think how a life so far removed from most of our day to day routine can have such an effect on people. Sitting in my office in Dallas, Texas, I cried when I heard the news of Phil’s passing earlier in the year. Having worked in film production, I can only imagine the scene with the network CEO. That pretty much sums it up for me.
Great job, Mike. We appreciate all that you do. Best of luck to the captains and crews. Be safe.
I only know CPT Phil from the Deadliest Catch (which btw is my favorite show) and I have to say it feels weird to know only say this but to also feel it… but I feel like I have lost a family member of my own. Maybe even more so than that.. everytime I see a picture of him or Josh & Jake my heart breaks over and over and I tear up. I will really miss Phil.. and I didn’t even know him. I wonder if he knew how much of an impact he truly had.
I have loved BOTH Shows for many years and Mike…you have done some of the nastiest, ugliest jobs known to man….and yet out of your mouth comes what has to be the most beautiful, loving words ever written.
“”He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic.”"”
No truer words were every spoken, except that he will always be missed and his family will always be in our hearts.
**SAIL ON CAPT. PHIL…for we will meet again**
And thank you MIKE…for wearing your heart on your sleeve…
Hi. I’m from Portugal, so here Phil still appears in deadliest catch, so I had no idea that he was dead. I love your show, you’re a good man Mike. I can tell when a man has his heart in the right place, as Phil said. And I also know how it feels to lose a father. I know it will be difficult to Josh and Jake overcome this. Mike I really admire you, you’re a really good man. Take care.
Phil, rest in peace.
thanks mike for sharing. he was a true blue american . who carried his emotions on his sleeve. and like you said authentic as they come . maybe that’s why we all loved him so much.. god bless
Amazing read buddy! dropped a few tears on this one.
Great story Mike, thanks for sharing that with us and for your insightful comments. When reading your conversation with Phil it plays in my head with both of your actual voices. That is authenticity. Nice job!
Thanks, Mike. As a longtime fan of the show, it truly pained me to learn of Phil’s passing. He was truly an example of what’s right in the world to me. Nowhere near perfect, but by damn doing the best with what he had. The Real Deal. As a career soldier with 21 years of service, I’ve come across a few captain Phils…and regretted leaving their company each time. I sincerely hope his family and the Cornelia Marie will keep their fishing business together. Even having never met the man, I feel he definitely wouldn’t have wanted them to quit.
Your right Mike,hold on let me wipe the tears off my face,He was genuine we do seek it because it is rare,Captin Phil is definitly missed.
Mike you are one of those authentic true people that you describe in Captain Phil….thank you so much for sharing that story of Phil with all of us and thank you for everything you do in TV and in the real world. Hopefully one day when your in my neck of the woods I can meet you and your crew and shake your hand! Thanks Mike!
Matt Tremblay
Niagara Falls, Canada
Brilliant and moving!!!!! Thank you from my heart.
Deadliest Catch was and still is my favorite show. I was saddened by the death of Captain Phil Harris. I love the name of the boat…I have a grandmother named Cornelia and a sister with the name Marie. I would have liked to have the chance to meet Capt. Harris, he seemed to be a really genuine guy. Prayers to Josh, Jake and the rest of the family.
I am without words….thank you Mike.
I think you said it Mike. I was so shocked by the news of his untimely death. He is one of my favorite captains. He is a great guy. He will be missed. My condolences to his family, sons, and crew. God called him home and may God comfort the ones that were left behind. God be with all of you.
I missed the first season of Deadliest Catch. But after the 2nd season started, I had picked my favorites. Phil was one of the most down to earth people I have ever encountered on television. The love for his boys, his crew, his mission, and his boat, were undaunting and ever present. I’m going to miss him immensley. The show goes on, and I do see Phil in his sons’ walk, talk, and their unending heart. One day, we’ll see Phil again, behind the wheel, smoking 1 after the other, but only in a different form. One of his sons, I’m sure. God Bless You, Phil! Thank you, Mike, for such a heartwarming and genuine look at the man.
Mike, you are a piece of work my friend. I hope when my time comes someone, somewhere, will write such kind and generous words about me. Chances are that will not happen because most of the people I know can hardly spell must less string words together to form a coherent sentence. Well that’s what I get for picking my friends for their looks instead of their communication skills.
Phil, Rest In Peace…
David
I just found out about the passing of Capt. Phil, My heart felt sympathy goes out to the Harris Family. I have really enjoyed the Deadliest Catch Series. So please let the Harris Family know for me.
GOD Bless you, Capt. Phil And Smooth Sailing Everlasting!
Captain Phil will greatly be missed by me and my family, he was a part of our family,we never missed a show, we loved Captain Phil, god bless him and his family.
Well said, Mr. Rowe! You articulated perfectly the feelings about Capt. Phil that I have struggled to put words to. Thank you.
Well done Mike, you have given Phil the repect he deserves. Thanks so much for a brief look inside the world of a true american hero.
Keep up the great work Mike!! Our hearts and prayers go out to Jake and Josh.. Phil was the man on Deadliest Catch and watching the first episode of this season the other night brough a tear to my eye seeing Phil on there.. We never know what life is going to bring us and it goes to show we shouldnt take it for granted but we all know just by watching Phil on TV that he lived his life to the fullest and was a straight up cool guy.. True people like Phil arent found often!! Thanks again Mike for everything you do for the working man and keep up the great work!!
Not being real chatty my self…Nice bit of writing Mike.
Scott
Mike,
Thank you so much for writing about Phil. He was a man that seemed to love his work and love his sons. While we probably didn’t see all that went on, I am sure that what was shown was true to him. He cared about his kids and he cared about his crew. He loved his job. Not alot of people can truely say that! Thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences that you had with Phil. I know that I will watch this season with a heavy heart.
Those are the stories that need to be told, by the people who can tell a story. Mike, you are the new American story teller and Phil was the American story that needs to be told,the struggles, the triumphs, the loves the losses.
I totally enjoyed reading this Mike. You say you didn’t know Capt. Phil that well but you knew him better than I did. He’s my favorite on the show, Phil and his Cornelia Marie and I wish I had gotton to know him even a little like you did. Your article confirmed what I’ve surmised about Capt. Phil on his show; a good,kind, honest, hard working decent, loyal man, captain, dad, and true friend. The world could use a few more of those. Thank you for this article.
wow mike i totally cried after hearing your stories about Phil. Everything you said about him is just like I see him to be authentic and one hell of a captain
Deadliest Catch will never be the same for me now. Captain Phil was my favorite down to earth big hearted Captain. I am thankful that he was able to spend time with the people he loved before he had to go. Know that you will never be forgotten Phil, be at peace.
Two great men Mike and Phil. God called him way too soon but he must be teaching fishing in heaven. He is so missed and Deadliest Catch has been a favorite of mine and my friends and family for years. Im having a tattoo of the Cornelia Marie in rememberence of Capt Phil. My prayers are with the Harris family in their time of loss. God Bless.
Along with everyone else, my heart is sad on the loss of Capt. Harris. I loved his authentic nature, his love for his children and his love for fishing. I watch Deadliest Catch every night and with the new season premiere yesterday it was so difficult to know that he is gone. My six year old asked me why I was crying and knowing that she does not understand death, I told her that my favorite Captain went down with the ship. She said “Well, if his boat sank, he must not have been very good”. I replied “He was not only good he was the best”. I can hear Capt. Phil laughing at that one. May God be with Josh and Jake during this time.
Oh, to have someone write as eloquently and lovingly about me when I pass.
Thank you, Mike, for doing it about him. And for sharing it with us.
what was it that drew us to phil harris? hard to say. yet we were enthralled with his life. most of us hate work and yet we watched him perform the toughest job on earth. he was crude, smoked and swore too much and had a short fuse. but yet we loved him. and we didnt know him. i like others will miss him, and feel very sorry for his family and friends.
i guess he did what we would all like to do and thats live life to the fullest. fear nothing and be open with your feelings.
sorry phil, that you got called away, but we all thank you for letting us live part of your life with you. god bless you and may you rest in peace.
You could not have written it better Mike. Thank you for sharing that.
Without the opportunity of ever meeting him, I believe Captain Phil was everything you mentioned and more. Josh and Jake can count themselves blessed to have had such a father, and the crew of the Cornelia Marie such a Captain. He will be missed.
Could not have been written better. Rest in Peace Captain Phil.
I wish you could read your tribute on air during Deadliest Catch. You were so right. As I watched Phil, I could imagine me “just hanging out” with him. He was a very cool guy. I am so sorry for his boys, his fellow boat mates and all of us who didn’t really know him personally but loved him anyway. Rest in Peace Capt. Phil
Mike
Thank you for the heartfelt words. You and Capt Phil are the REAL deal. He will be missed by many
Phil was the greatest; he made the show.It was always a pleasure to see him and watch him interact with his crew and kids. Phil, you are a one of a kind brother and you will be missed.
From the very first time I saw “the catch” I was really drawn to Phil. You could tell how authentic he was and Mike you gave him a wonderful send off. This world will miss Phil and watching him with his boys.
Good stuff, Mike! Hard to believe. Even harder to believe is how someone I really don’t know, can have such an impact on me…..and us all.
Well said Mike. I couldn’t hardly watch the season opener for I just learned that Captin Phil passed this earth. He is one of my favorite people. You will be missed Captin Phil Harris.
very well said! Phil will be deeply missed. It has been such a joy over the past few years watching Deadliest Catch and seeing all of the crew. I loved watching Phil with his boys. My heart goes out to them. I lost my dad around the same time they did and it is so very hard. My dad loved watching the show too and Phil was his favorite captain. Thanks for sharing your stories with everyone Mike!!!
You’re a class act Mike. Nice job. Nice insight into Capt. Phil, but not at all surprised. He seemed like the real deal and will be missed.
With the new season starting and as a “Deadliest Catch” FAN I can’t help but think of Capt. Phils boys. I hope they are doing ok. As I with a sick dad I can’t even imagine how hard it must be for, “his boys”. I know what Capt. Phil would want for them to be strong, but sometimes life isn’t that easy. But what it comes down to is he was a strong man, loving father, Sea lover and down right man you couldn’t help but love, and his boys have a lot to live up to. But I’m sure Capt. Phil will make sure of it..Rest In Peace Capt. Phil. You are dearly missed.
Very well-written, Mr. Rowe. I don’t watch “Deadliest Catch” for the bravado, I watch it for those moments of genuine people in a difficult environment. To imagine–if just for a moment–what my life would have been like if I had taken that job as a greenhorn on a crab boat pedaled at my University nearly two decades ago.
Had I taken that job, even as tough as I was then, I still probably would have washed out after one season.
But I would hope I had been commanded by the sort of person who is just as genuine and caring as he is rough and scarred. And that would be a man like Captain Harris.
You cannot out do that commentary from Mike Rowe, who would want to. Thank you Mike for bringing to light the jobs we do not see. Most of all thank you for bringing these Captain’s to light and their work. Full speed ahead Captain’s. Wind to your backs, and God speed Captain Phil, in your memory, keep them safe…..
Mike, we’ve been very lucky to watch you, another real deal, for many years. I find it fitting that you, though you say you didn’t know Captain Phil well, have written one of the most touching and fitting pieces on him.
A totally authentic send off for a totally authentic captain from another totally authentic man; it’s perfect.
Captain Phil had many fans, and we miss him. I can only imagine how his family and friends feel.
Better seas, Captain Phil….may you sail them now.
mike thats the best and very true ive never met Phil but watching him on Tv its like ive knowen him for years. now its going to seem strange watching Deadliest Catch and not having him there with that wicked smile of his im sure gona miss him RIP Phil
Dear Mike,I’ve never written to anyone via e-mail much less a star such as you,but your stories about Cpt. Phil got to me.Great job! Good Luck,thank you for your time. Sincerly,Keith Askew
I agree 100% with Mr. Rowe. Everybody is so worried about what everybody thinks of them. By them I mean everything about them down to the way they walk into a room. Captian Phil, I feel, couldn’t of cared less. He knew he was where he wanted to be in life and if you disagreed well then, turn the other way whether with the remote or your head. With that said I think there were very few that did. He was adicting. I would want the same from him as a captian and I think everyone should have the same as a boss. He was someone who would kick your ass for falling behind and slap hands with you for getting ahead. He had been there down to the bate-man all the way to captain. He made sure that if you wanted to reach the next level you had to earn it. I think a lot of people could have benefited from a little one on one time with Phil. He will be missed, remembered and but even though he is gone he will continue to be looked up to.
Mike
Like all of us Phil was a flawed human being, but there was something very special about him. You could see it in the twinkle of his eye and his demeanor. Mike you captured some of what made Phil special in this piece. Thx.
Deadliest Catch is just not going to be the same without Phil….