RIP Phil Harris

I was saddened to read this morning that Captain Phil Harris has passed away. He was 53 years old.

He was the captain of the fishing vessel Cornelia Marie which was featured on the discovery Channel program Deadliest Catch. He suffered a massive stroke at the end of January and died yesterday, February 9.

I did not know Phil Harris personally. He was just a person whose job was featured on a very well-filmed, well-run documentary program. But I am a great fan of that show and Phil Harris was a fascinating part of the story.

I found some personal resonance in his suffering of a blood clot and pulmonary embolism on the show recently. I had a similar event in 2005, though mine was not nearly as serious or scary as his. His lifestyle was much more unhealthy; he smoked, ate poorly, went long periods on little sleep, and had a ridiculously high stress level.

He was a character and fascinating to listen to as he tried to run a risky fishing business and teach that business to his sons. I can't say that I was surprised to read of his death, but I will miss watching him.

I am thinking this morning of his sons, the rest of his family, and his friends and crew.