The family of Capt. Phil Harris braces for the end of the 'Deadliest Catch' season [Updated]

When Josh and Jake Harris were faced with the biggest loss of their lives, they couldn't just sink into their grief. Their father, Capt. Phil Harris, had never lost sight of the responsibility he felt toward the viewers of "Deadliest Catch," and now neither could they.

"In our profession, death is not an uncommon thing," said Josh Harris during a telephone interview. "That's why the show was created the way it was. In the beginning, it was about death and carnage, and then it evolved into a story about our lives, following the families and seeing how they deal with their problems. This is what we plan for — keep filming if something happens. It's a weird concept, but Jake and I talked about it and we continued what we signed up to do. I'm nervous and scared to relive this again. It's hard enough going through it the first time."

For six seasons, Capt. Harris had let the cameras film his life's purpose, his commanding of the Cornelia Marie and his sometimes volatile relationship with his two sons. With only three episodes left to produce when he suffered a stroke Jan. 29, Harris wasn't about to let his medical problems get in the way of the story. Unable to speak after part of his skull had been surgically removed, Harris scribbled on a note pad, "Keep filming. There has to be an end to the story."

The end was not what anyone wanted or expected. Even though Harris' health seemed to be improving, he died Feb. 9 as a result of a second pulmonary embolism. (He had survived one two years prior.) But his sons did as he had asked — they let the cameras keep rolling.  Beginning with Tuesday night's episode, the rest of the season will cover Capt. Harris' stroke, hospitalization and death. (A special tribute episode will air July 20 and the season finale will air on July 27.)

"It was my dad's want and will to have all this filmed and aired," Josh Harris said. "The show is a story about our lives. And nine or 10 months out of the year, we're up north in Alaska on a boat together, and it's just what we've done. My dad couldn't speak so he wrote on a piece of paper and those were his wishes and he wanted the story to be told. It's going to be really hard because I don't remember any of the last two days. I blocked it out. So I know it's going to be extremely hard to go back and watch this, but at the same time I'll get to see what I said to my dad, the last little bit."

Original Productions, which produces the show, treated the Harris family with respect and sensitivity, Josh Harris said.

"They wanted to get the initial reaction between us and that was the hard part — the first time we talked with my dad when he came out of the induced coma — and all that stuff," Josh Harris said. "They wanted initial reactions and then they just let us do our thing and hung back. They let us be who we wanted to be and let us talk about what we wanted to talk about and didn't bother us. They were real sensitive about the whole situation but still documented everything. They've done as tasteful a job as you can possibly do in a situation like this. It's just very strange."

Because he is at sea for most of the year fishing for opilio crabs, Josh Harris, said he had no real sense of the "Deadliest Catch" audience until now.

"Some people come up to me, crying and give me a hug and tell me they're sorry," Josh Harris. "The most respectful fans, I must tell you. We've gotten a lot of support from people who have been in similar situations and it does help. What is the right way to grieve? Those are weird questions. You don't know what you're supposed to do when you're put in the situation. And we're working through it and a lot of people have been through it. And they've all helped us out in many ways. The American people have taken us in as a family of their own. So watching this is going to upset a lot of people, watching what we had to go through. And it's not easy. I've lived it already, but they don't know what to expect. I know what to expect and I'm telling you, it's going to be very, very powerful footage."

Josh Harris says he has stopped smoking and is on a "wellness kick" to spread awareness about the dangers of cigarette smoking, which ultimately killed his father.

"I just want people to know they need to take care of themselves in every way because there's a lot of good people out there who are cared about and loved," Josh Harris said. "I wish he could have seen his grandchildren someday. But we're fortunate we have all the episodes. I got to be on TV with my father and that's something nobody else gets. A lot of good memories."

Josh and Jake Harris also have decided what they will do with the Cornelia Marie.

"We're going fishing, baby," Josh Harris said. "We're going to keep the old man's dream alive."

The following are clips from Tuesday night's episode:

— Maria Elena Fernandez
twitter.com/writerchica

Photo: Capt. Phil Harris and the crew of the Cornelia Marie. (Capt. Phil Harris is in the center; Josh and Jake Harris are right of him.) Credit: Discovery

Videos: Discovery

[Update: 9:18 am: Discovery released a second clip from Tuesday night's episode.]

RELATED:

The rest of "Deadliest Catch' season devoted to Capt. Phil Harris

Discovery to air 'Deadliest Catch' marathon; producers plan tribute to Capt. Phil Harris

'Deadliest Catch' executive producer talks about the show's soaring sixth season

The death of Alaska fisherman Capt. Phil Harris is met with tributes

Comments

[anthrodiva]

"Commandeering?" I doubt he took over the vessel in light of an official emergency. The word to use would have been helming, or management, or captaincy. Get thee to a thesaurus.

[ddsq]

Rest In Piece, Captain Phil.

[Jeff]

The guy had a stroke and died not quite two weeks later. Discovery Channel is taking that and stretching out to cover 6 weeks worth of episodes. Looks like Discovery Channel is capitalizing on the family's tragedy.

[dat]

My heart breaks for the family of Phil Harris. But if we could all leave this earth doing what we love... And by Discovery airing this tragic event (with Phil's and the family's approval), it gives the 'viewer family' the opportunity to grieve with the family. May God bless and comfort the Harris family.

[mandy]

Your daddy will always be with you. Just remember all the things he tault you and all the memories you have and best of all it is all on film. What great memories. Episodes 120 and 121 were pretty upsetting to watch but there was forgivness and love between family. Captain Phil is proud of both of you. GOD IS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU. Just remember what he has done for us. GO CRABBING and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!

[henry]

r i p phil you was the best on the show and if the show goes on i will still watch it to see your sons keep your dreams alive.

[Rick]

I'll miss Phil. He was great. I could only speak as to what is presented to us. I am so glad that Phil changed his mind about telling Jake to get out of his life. It was good that the three guys ended on great terms before he passed away. He seemed like a great dad. It also was a great season of fishing for him and he ended with a great season.

[Lizz & Mason Marvel]

Peace be with your boys Jake and Josh Harris, and Rest In Peace Captain Phil. You were the best. I loved watching you and your sons on the Cornelia Marie. You guys were some of the best shots and story lines of the show. I will continue to watch, but with some sadness, as I will also miss the great Captain Phil with his gruff voice, endless cigarette, constanly shaking his leg, but the biggest of hearts that loved his crew, his friends and most of all his boys. Take care Jake and Josh for we love you too and will think of you guys often. So just know, wherever you may be, on land or at sea, you are never far from a complete strangers thoughts of your well being and your happiness. Best wishes to you both and take care of your crew they have greived with you too. You are missed far more than you could have ever imagined Captain Phil.

With much love and respect,
Lizz Marvel
(Lizz Gillenwaters)

[Lori Georgeson]

God bless you Josh and Jake. I know this was a hard thing for you to go through. I lost both my mom and dad a year apart. I didn't have a good relationship with them as you had with your dad Phil. He was a great guy, probably said things he wished he didn't, but it was all to make a point.
Hope I get to see you guys in the future on The Cornelia Marie. I'm sure staying on that boat is like being with him always. Like coming home. It was his home for most of the time. I will miss seeing him like crazy. Weird, I never met the guy, but I feel like I've known him forever. I loved his attitude and his sly sense of humor. It was always fun to see him on After the catch when he could let his hair down (sorry) and relax.
Question I've always wanted answered, how many tatoos did he have and who was his tatoo artist?

[karen m charles]

God be with you, Captain Phil! Although I never met you I feel as though I have lost a member of my family. Take care, Jake and Josh, your Dad will always be with you. Remember all he taught you and make him proud! He's always watching over you.I will continue to watch the show but with a certain sense of sadness. Happy fishing, Captain Phil!

[Miranda Owens]

Captain Phil will be greatly missed! Jake and Josh, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will give you peace, comfort and strength during this time. May the Lord bless you and keep you both. I love the show. My husband and I watch every episode and we favored the Cornelia Marie over everyone else. It won't be the same without Phil, but knowing that you boys will keep his dream going.. we will not miss an episode! God bless, The Owens Family

[Wayne]

My heart go's out to the family of Captain Phil Harris,,,I also lost my Dad at a young age he was 45, WOW it's been 35 yreas ago, He was also a Sea person having served USN.

To the Boy's use what your Dad tought you, treasure the moment he was with you, and YES with time it does get easer.

To the Good Captain Phil, you were my favor of the show, please watch over the Boys and Crew as they carry on the Mission, With your watchful eye from above.....RIP my Firend and may God bless and comford the family, his firends, and the CREW of the Cornell Marie.

[Stacey L]

God be with you boys, and your family. Will miss your dad, hope to see you more when you return fishing.

[richard teate]

I have been where you were, Both of my parents are deceased.
I hope you josh and jake go back to fishing and keep busy
our prayers are with you. We love ya buddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Caryne]

My heart goes out to the Harris family. I enjoy the show and loved watching your dad give you boys a piece of his mind. He loved you both very much and I know he is watching you. He will be truly missed by all the fans.

[Colleen]

Tuesday June 29th episode broke my heart. I cried watching Captain Phil being taken off of his ship. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jake and Josh. Rest in Peace Phil..

[Carmen Clark]

I just watched the videos on Youtube on Captain Phil's transport from the Cornelia Marie and even though I've seen it several times, it still brings tears to my eyes. I've watched the show over and over as it has been one of my favorites and will continue to watch it. Josh and Jake, I've prayed for both of you as I know that you love your dad. Jake, please follow what you told your dad you would do as far as your addiction. Get the help you need and you will definitely honor your dad's memory. Josh, I'm proud that you have stopped smoking, I will pray that you would stay strong in this battle. I've shown your article to my 21 year old son that smokes and drinks "Red Bull" all the time. Not a good combination. Stay strong and remember that your Heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you. Just call on Him.

God bless you both and the rest of the family. (I've printed a picture of Captain Phil and it's on my wall as a reminder to pray for you guys.

Carmen Clark -Fan of Deadliest Catch and Captain Phil

[tonya]

God saw that he was tired and a cure was not to be- So he put his arms around him and whispered"Come with me"In saddness we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly we could not make him stay- A golden heart stop beating,hard working hands laid to rest-God broke our hearts to prove to us that he only takes the Best!!!! The Harris Boys are in our prayers.........P.S Jake please get the help your dad was racing home to get for you and don't forget that he is still with you "in your heart" so follow it and you will be fine!

[Wendy Mcknight-Monahan]

RIP Captain Phil, the love he showed for his boys came through loud and clear on the show. It will be very heard for you boys to continue without your wonderful Dad but he had tremendous love and faith in both of you and would be very proud that you are continuing to fish. And Jake please Do get some help for your problems I know your Dad would only want the best for you and getting yourself straightened up would be the best thing you could do to honor his memory.
God Bless you both.

[Vonda Dodson]

Crew of Cornelia Marie , Thank you for the story of this wonderful family. we love the guys very much. We love all of the captains and their crews. They are all a part of our T.V. family. Josh and Jake take care of each other, thats what your Daddy would want. Hey if you ever need a woman cook on the ship just look me up, only if you don't think it is bad luck. I would love to cook for your crew. Yes,,, I am a good cook LOL I love you all take care and I will be watching the show always . Remember God loves you and he will always be there to protect you. Trust his heart he knows best for you all . Love in Christ ,Vonda Dodson.... Tompkinsville Ky.