Phil Harris Obituary


In Memory of Captain Phil Harris

In every challenge Captain Phil Harris faced in life, he was tough, determined and, some would say, stubborn. Staring down a monster wave, battling ice and wind or fighting for his business to stay afloat, he retained a steely resolve that got him through both the literal and figurative storms of his life. His two boys and deckhands, Josh and Jake, were his pride and joy. Peeling back the rough and tumble exteriors of Captain Phil, you found a man who cherished family and friends, who lived life large and full and who never forgot where he came from. That confidence was borne out of a life that had its share of bumps along the road. Last year at CatchCon, a "Deadliest Catch" fan festival in his hometown of Seattle, Captain Phil recalled the delicious revenge he enjoyed at achieving fame and fortune after teachers told him he would be nothing. He regaled the packed crowd with the story of how he noticed his old guidance counselor's house was for sale. He promptly drove over with a bag full of cash - enough to buy the house outright - knocked on the door, re-introduced himself to the stunned woman. Throwing down the bag on her kitchen table he shouted, "Remember how you said I would not amount to anything? Well, I'm a TV star now and I have enough here to buy your house!" Captain Phil died at age 53 on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, following a stroke suffered on Friday, January 29 while in port off loading in St. Paul, Alaska.
As captain of the 128-foot-long, 298-ton Cornelia Marie, he was one of the fleet of crab-fishing boats that have plied the perilous waters off the Bering Sea for five seasons on the wildly popular and Emmy award-winning "Deadliest Catch," on Discovery Channel. Working 40 hours at a stretch and hauling in 800-pound pots in 30-foot waves against 60-knot winds, crab fishing is the ultimate tough guy job. Captain Phil fit the profile perfectly. Proud of his tattoos and happiest on dry land behind his many Harley Davidsons, Captain Phil formed a deep bond and connection with fans worldwide.
He was the everyman - working a job most everyone else could never imagine doing, but at the same time, being completely relatable and transparent.
Captain Phil Harris is survived by his father, Grant Harris, 76, of Lake Stevens, WA; children, Joshua Grant Harris, 26, of Monroe, WA, Jacob Charles Harris, 23, of Monroe, WA, and Andrea Renee Scarpa, 32, of Marysville, WA.
Captain Phil cared deeply about the brotherhood of the sea and in that spirit the Harris family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Seattle Fishermen's Memorial Fund c/o Phillip Harris PO Box 17356, Seattle, Washington 98127 (206)782-6577.



Published by The Herald (Everett) from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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I can't believe it's been 13 years since you passed away. I miss you so much all the time captain Phil.

Marlysa Ladwig

February 1, 2023

I just started Deadliest catch about 2 weeks ago, started off seeing Bloodline. Then I was just curious to watch the entire older seasons of Deadliest Catch. Phil was such an amazing captain and the way he cared for his boys was just so heartfelt. If Josh ever goes through these, you are doing so great and I can definitely see your old man saying Attaboy. You are continuing his legacy the right way. RIP to your father for eternity. He was a great captain and a good father as he could be to you and your brother.

Abigail Sanchez

August 13, 2021

I enjoyed watching Phil on the Cornelia Marie with his 2 sons. Can't believe that it's been 10 years since his death. Still watch Josh on the Cornelia & kept up with him on the Northwestern. Loved the way Phil would laugh and I miss him terribly. Am looking for seasons where he was alive to be shown.

Nicki Holladay

September 26, 2020

Immensely enjoyed watching him on 'deadliest catch'. Hardworking and humorous!

Marjolein Pronk

September 2, 2020

Best Captain the Bearing sea has ever had

Paul Mortensen

Acquaintance

May 21, 2020

A very interestin' Man indeed! Gone to soon But NOT forgotten! (Forever Fishin') Condolences to family and friends~

Lavonia Gansworth

May 7, 2020

You were and always will be my favorite captain. Missing you everyday.

Vicki Cheryl

May 5, 2020

I can see u and Jesus riding thur heaven on ur Harley. MAY U REST IN PEACE

D Clark

April 21, 2020

As I sit here in Longview Texas, I am watching the show The Russians are Coming. The tribute you did on your dad was awesome! I have always watched every year since back when your dad was on. Josh your dad would be so proud of you. You have accomplished what he wanted you to accomplish. You have made him proud and just know that he is in that boat every single time you go out. God Bless and keep the memory alive!

Lisa Walker

April 14, 2020

Phil. you were my favorite Captain on deadlist catch, we still miss you on the show it hasn't been the same since you left us all. but I know you are rejoicing in heaven, I pray for your family RIP we will always remember you.

Tracey Farmer

Acquaintance

April 11, 2020

I can't believe that You have been gone for 10 years. I still miss seeing you on The Deadliest Catch. The show isn't the same without you. My thoughts still go out to your family, as I'm sure they miss you so very much. Rest easy, Captain. ❤

Joella Costigan

April 11, 2020

I just finished re watching old seasons of Deadliest Catch & Made it up to Season 6 where Captain Phil Harris passed away.So many tears I cried I miss him very much.It seems like only yesterday he was walking this Earth & doing what he
loved best.Crab fishing with his sons & his friends.So hard to accept that is has been almost 10 years now since Phil Harris was taken away from us.I am so very proud of his son Josh he is so much like his father & such a good man,Phil must be smiling from Heaven seeing what an amazing & wonderful son he has in Josh.I do not eat seafood I never really liked it as a child growing up & still don't like it I never eat it BUT when I am shopping now especially after seeing Deadliest Catch I find my self thinking how many men almost died to bring these crabs for people to eat.How many men went days with out sleep & time spent away from their own family & friends to bring these crabs for other people to enjoy them.I watch the shoppers carelessly throw the crabs in to their carts & carry on shopping & think do you even realize or care about the people who made that possible for you to just do that.My friend got me to watch the Deadliest Catch seasons & at first I was not really interested & then I started watching the men as they worked & watched their pains & sorrows joys & losses & I really love the seasons now.Each show they bare their souls & their lives with many people around the world & they have become a family I never knew.Each show that starts I find myself praying to God to keep them safe & bring them back to their family & friends safe.To watch over them & protect them on & off the boats.Thankyou so very much for such a wonderful show & for all the wonderful men I have been blessed to be able to know & care for & pray for each season.My heart will always ache over the loss of Captain Phil Harris I doubt that will ever change but there is always a hope there we will see him again one day & all those we loved & lost.I do not believe people die.What I do believe is we never lose the ones we love just the beautiful containers that once held them.God bless all of you & keep you safe.

Rosalie Casista

July 28, 2019

MY DEAR CAPTAIN PHILL ,I MISS YOU SO MUCH AND I KNOW MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD MISS YOU TOO YOU ARE LOVED I SEE JOSH ON THE CORNELIA MARIE AND THAT MAKES ME HAPPY YOU WILL ALWAS BE IN MY HEART MR. CAPTAIN I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

SILVIA FRAUSTO

May 21, 2019

R.I.P. wishing you Eternal Peace...

Joseph Gleason

May 20, 2019

So many years have gone by since you left this world on your Harley. You are so missed, Phil. Even now, you are loved and missed. I pray that there is no pain, no tears. Only peace, miles and miles of roads for you to travel on, and endless crab pots overflowing. Your legacy lives on. Be in peace Phil

Colleen Renken

March 21, 2019

You always have a special place in my heart!

Kathleen C

August 26, 2018

YOU TRULY ARE AGREAT MAN AND YOUR LEGACY WILL GO ON THRU YOUR SONS. BESS YOU FOR BEING A GREAT FATHER AND A MAN WITH A BIG HEART ❤❤❤❤❤❤.

Lydia Witte

July 20, 2018

You cast a huge shadow Captain Phil. Hope your cruising on your Harley up there. Rest in peace brother.

John B

July 6, 2018

just watched the show. may you rest in peace. one of our favorite captains. at sea forever.
The Dodges (Rockport Maine)

April 20, 2018

Miss you Capt. Phil...RIP

DEBORAH Kennedy

April 7, 2018

Debra

December 19, 2017

Greetings from Germany,
Best Capitain Ever
Greetings Daniel

Daniel

October 21, 2017

Fly high captain and may god keep ur soul in peace

Brandon Lawery

September 29, 2017

You are still missed to this day. Sail on Capt. Phil.

Jessica Walker

September 28, 2017

Marlysa Ladwig

September 6, 2017

Marlysa Ladwig

September 6, 2017

7 years later and I still can't believe he's gone. He is still missed in Minnesota.

Marlysa Ladwig

September 4, 2017

The way to find crab, look for fart bubbles in the water and sniff the air so you can smell them. so funny RIP CAPT PHIL

Bill W

August 16, 2017

Greetings from Greece.. he will be missed.. a lot !!!

stella s

August 6, 2017

He was the best of all.. i watch over and over his episodes and i can't believe he is gone.. my best wishes to his boys.. so sorry for their loss..

stella sanida

August 6, 2017

May your light shine forever Captain Phil...great captain and a great man..

Becky Philistine

June 20, 2017

I am reading the book by Josh and Jake
for a second time....You were a great captain and a great man....RIP Captain Phil..

June 19, 2017

Greetings from Germany,Best Man ever,I Hope we will See in Walhalla!

Daniel

June 3, 2017

You are missed beyond words. RIP

Sue Johnson

April 11, 2017

My dearest friend, been a while since we had a chat, or a cold one or two. I miss those times and days, especially now. Jake is doin fine, following the ole mans foot steps just fine.
You Behave yourself, haha, or at least try my friend. i'll see ya round

chris wall

February 14, 2017

Acompanhei a serie toda, admira o capitão Phil Harris, fiquei muito triste com a sua morte, espero que a familia esteja bem, minhas condolências. Tambem espero que os seus filhos continuem seu primoroso trabalho. Abraços.

Luiz Roberto Mincewicz

November 15, 2016

Valenda Newell

October 5, 2016

To my very Darling Close Friend My Capt.Phil Harris I have missed you more than you will ever know.No,I haven't forgotten you these passed 6 yrs. You have entered the Great Heavens above my Love.I still Love you as a Friend Only.I have Prayed so much for all of your Family.& Friends.Now I've much apart of all of you now.Your oldest Son Capt.Josh Harris has truly kept his Promise to you he now owns the F/V Cornelia Marie .Also, Jake has kept his Promise to you as well.I Love You my Dear Friend Always.

Lori H Smith

August 31, 2016

R.I.P Phil

Eli Nornes

August 1, 2016

Just read the book by Capt. Phil written by his sons, Josh and Jake. Knew Capt. Phil was tough and reading the words about his life just brought home how much he is missed. Looked through his photo gallery and saw mainly pics of fans, so I thought I would add a few of the man himself. As a fan, still watching the show, I know his fans would appreciate seeing pictures of Capt. Phil.

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Ann DeCoursey

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

Nell McLeod

August 1, 2016

i miss phil rip phil harris

marlysa ladwig

July 31, 2016

josh sorry for your loss. RIP Captain Phil. :(

marlysa

June 12, 2016

Phil, I met you in downtown Fort Wayne Indiana at a charity event. You are indeed a man's man. We talked long enough just to smoke three cigarettes outside in the alley one after another. I remember every word we said like it was yesterday. Those are memories that I'll cherish. Miss you and if there are cigarettes in heaven this time will use your lighter. I just wish we could've spent more time talking. Rest in peace my friend.

Michael Beau

April 6, 2016

My dear cap.phill I wish you will still be with us ,I miss you,but Iam happy to see Josh on the Cornelia Marie I love you forever.

Silvia E Frausto

April 4, 2016

Still miss you

Ted Kinney

March 28, 2016

We will always remember Phil.I wish we could have met him!!

Lisa Ford

March 18, 2016

Even all of these years later, you are still missed dearly, Phil. What a wonderful man and captain to light the way for the others on the show. You will be happy to know that you are still remembered on the show by captains and crew alike as the best ever, and your fans still miss you dearly.

Anne Pace

February 13, 2016

You are always in my Prays.. You were the Greatest!! You smile was worth a Million Bucks!!
Chris Kish (Topeka, KS)

Chris Kish

February 9, 2016

Phil another year has passed and you are still dearly missed. I know you are watching over the boys and looking out for them. Hope your crab pots are a plenty Miss you smiling face.

Debbie Raiwalui

February 9, 2016

absolutely gutted about Phil's passing - series just shown in England. What you saw is what you got with this lovely man. Good hunting to all on the Bering Sea. With the greatest regards from England.

David Greenwood

January 22, 2016

We loved seeing you on the TV we cryed when u fell ill u will always be rememed love and hugs for your 2 sons never forgotten xxxx

Beverley Tennant

January 22, 2016

My Dear friend, I never thought I would say I miss you,but as time marches on, I find that I do more and more,especially when im near the sea. your sons are fine, I check on them now n then, we all okay, just miss my old friend..

enjoy the fair seas, you've earned them

chris wall
[email protected]

chris wall

September 29, 2015

RIP Phil. You were my favorite Captain and you are so missed by your fans. We know you are in Heaven's wheelhouse guiding the ones you love through the tumultuous waters of life. Your legacy will live on with your son, Joshua.

Nell DeCoursey

September 18, 2015

R.I.P Miss you alot.Shows just not the same

Tracy Clark

August 17, 2015

R.I.P. you will be missed

August 9, 2015

RIP Phil for there will be no replacement... The show has not been the same with you gone but be proud of Jake, he is amazing!!!

Patricia Fleischhans-Philpot

May 22, 2015

You are greatly missed.i will never forget you sniffing out the crab by "crab farts" your laugh the funny things you use to do both me and my fiancé Kim miss you . We do see you though through your son "josh" as he carries on your family name and diligence in fishing again we miss you capt. Phil

Lawrence Smith

April 22, 2015

You touched my life as well as my sons tyvm

becca gerson

April 20, 2015

SORELY MISSED CAPTIAN PHIL, YOU WERE MY FAVORITE SKIPPER.MY IDEA OF A REAL MAN. R.I.P.

KENNETHA DAVIS

April 14, 2015

You have raised two amazing young men.They will keep your legacy alive.

Patricia Lonergan

April 14, 2015

My heart is saddened. I have watched the program since the beginning and these guys feel like family. My heart goes out to Phils's family and friends. His laughter will be missed.

April 14, 2015

My heart is saddened. I have watched the program these guys feel like family. My heart goes out to Phils's family and friends. His laughter will be missed.

April 14, 2015

Hey Captain Phil and family I watched the new Marathon the other day there was one where you where in the hospital and the part when you passed. We cried when they announced your death. You are truly missed by many. I pray for Josh that he will be able to carry on your legacy. Be at rest my friend. We are also praying for Jake. Hope he is doing well.

Eugene Myers

April 14, 2015

We will always miss you Captain Phil, we always watched you, on Deadliest Catch, and we still watch Deadliest Catch, and pray that your son Josh stays safe, and has all of the luck and blessings that God Has for him!!...
Carol & Nowell T. (Rosamond,Calif)

Carol T

April 12, 2015

Captain Phil, I was always intrigued by you and thought you were the best on the series. I still can't believe you are gone. But I know you're sitting on a Harley in heaven looking down on your sons and smiling. Thank you for being the reason I started watching Deadliest Catch.

Robert Eaton

February 19, 2015

My dear cap.phill one more year and i miss y more i love y forever .

silvia frausto

February 8, 2015

Happy Birthday Phil, Miss you dearly. Thinking of you always

Debbie R

December 19, 2014

My condolences to Mr. Harris family. May you find comfort from family and friends during this sad occasion. God knows those who are crushed in spirit and will give you the strength you need to deal with this.

October 26, 2014

Miss you Phil. I haven't watched Deadliest Catch since your passing.
RIP Capt. Phil.

Michele Armstrong

October 23, 2014

I havent watched Deadliest Catch since Phil died...I just watched it now & hope his Sons do great with the fishing...

Nancy Pierce

October 15, 2014

We all miss him so. Phil became a member of many, many fans families as we watched him do what he did best, fish the Bering Sea for the elusive crab. Sadly missed and fondly remembered. Rest In Peace Phil, and know your boys are doing you proud.

Neil van Ek

September 21, 2014

You are missed by so many, your tough demeanor, soft heart, and crazy laugh will always be remembered. You were like a member of my family. Josh & Jake will carry on in your foot steps, you were truly a great man RIP

Cindy LaPoint

September 19, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Melissa Russell

September 11, 2014

We miss him..He seemed to be part of our family.No other person on TV ever had or ever will have that connection to viewer's.RIP

Jody Palmer

September 8, 2014

I just finished watching Phil's final season on Deadliest Catch again and it was just as hard this time as it was 4 years ago. Phil was the kind of guy you knew you'd want as a friend. I like people that aren't afraid to speak their mind, whether it was good or bad, at least it was honest. Phil always said he played hard, but I think he fished just as hard and loved ever harder. Phil, you're still my favorite captain, the Cornelia Marie is still my favorite boat and we'll always keep Josh and Jake in our prayers. The Howard Family

Gina Howard

August 26, 2014

Best Captain ever,Rest in Peace ,greetings from germany!

Daniel

August 23, 2014

assisto muito este programa desejo que DEUS o tenha perto dos anjos, amo muito pescaria e nao perco quando posso assistir

July 30, 2014

Rest in the arms of the Angels Phil, you will be missed by all who were privileged to be a part of your family on TV and off. God bless you

Thomas & Karen Hall

July 29, 2014

Send your guiding light to Joshua and Jake.

Mary Bonanno

July 10, 2014

Rest in peace until the God of all tender mercy will call, and you yourself will answer... what a day that will be!!!
Ag nc

July 9, 2014

in memory of phil harris and to the harris family he was a great man my thoughts go out to all of you god bless you all

July 8, 2014

Aww the Memories while watching Deadliest Catch. can't wait for the CM to return tonight. Miss you Phil

suzie gutierrez

June 10, 2014

Captain Phil you are truly missed by many people around the world. Please send your guiding spirit to Joshua and Jake as they continue your fishing legacy. You are truly missed but will never be forgotten.

Mary Bonanno

June 5, 2014

Godspeed Phil.

A B

April 18, 2014

Mis mas sinceros condolencias a los familiares del capitan Phil Harris, no sabia de su deceso, su programa no sera lo mismo sin el. Que su alma decanze en paz. Lo extranaremos inmenzamente. Adios capitan.

Lola Celeste

March 16, 2014

God Bless u Phil.. Your family is truly more than just the two boys, and the Deadlest Catch is not the same with out you.

February 17, 2014

Hey Capt Phil miss you on DC youre boys have the CM and they will do their best.the Show is not the same without you .i sure do miss you yelling at Jake,Josh.

Jason Himebaugh

February 9, 2014

Phil its hard to believe another year has passed without you. You are never forgotten, there are so many fans of yours that will always remember you including me. Keep your spirit upon us and always look down on your fellow crabbers out in the Bering Sea and may you rest in peace my friend. Love and miss you every day. ???????????

Denise

February 9, 2014

Still miss you Phil and always will. RIP my friend.

Cheryl Landin
(Rocky Mount, NC)

Cheryl Landin

February 9, 2014

Phil, Another year gone since your passing. You will never be forgotten. You're always in my prayers as are Josh & Jake. Miss you dearly

Debbie

February 8, 2014

Phil just want to pass thru saying Im still missing and loving you. There will never be another like you. Thinking of you everyday. R.I.P.

February 3, 2014

I love and miss you so much every single day Phillip Charles Harris my blue eyed angel

February 1, 2014

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