The Story of Captain Harry

As lovingly told by Uncle LeeRoy

Captain Harry in Alaska's Deadliest Catch

Captain Harry is a well-known figure in the fishing industry, particularly in the realm of crab fishing in Alaska. He gained notoriety as a captain on the hit television series "Alaska's Deadliest Catch," which documents the dangerous and grueling work of crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The show has been on the air since 2005 and has been a huge success, captivating audiences with its stunning footage and intense storyline.

Captain Harry became part of the show after he brought his 1990 home video footage to the Deadliest Catch studios in Burbank, CA.  It has scenes filmed during the infamous Black Sunday storm which holds the record for the most "maydays" in one day - six at the same time.

Harry's  colorful personality and his distinctive beard made him a fan favorite. He is known for his level-headedness and his ability to lead his crew through even the toughest of fishing conditions. In the Bering Sea, conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and having a captain who can keep a cool head and make quick decisions is essential to the safety of the crew and the success of the fishing trip.

Captain Harry got his start in the fishing industry as a young whipper snapper. Growing up on Kodiak Island, he was introduced to fishing by his step-father and quickly became passionate about it. He started fishing on his own at the age of 11, catching his first fish at sea. This was the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the fishing industry, and he has since become one of the most experienced and respected captains in Alaska.

Captain Harry's experience and reputation as a crab fisherman have made him a sought-after captain in the Bering Sea. He captained several boats over the years, and his reputation as a highliner* quickly grew. He faced many challenges and dangers during his time on the Bering Sea, but he always came out on top, making him one of the most respected figures in the fishing industry.

In the show "Alaska's Deadliest Catch," Captain Harry and his crew faced the harsh and dangerous conditions of the Bering Sea as they worked to catch crab and bring in a successful haul. The show brought attention to the difficult and dangerous work of crab fishing in Alaska and made Captain Harry a household name. He is an example of the kind of hardworking and dedicated crab fishermen who put their lives on the line in the Bering Sea to bring in a successful catch.

After Captaining on the Wizard in Season 14 in 2018, Captain Harry retired to the family ranch near Mountain Home Idaho.  Harry's Idaho roots go back 6 generations.  His stepfather bought the 400 acre ranch when it became available in the 70's knowing it was rare find in the high desert of Idaho.  The family ranch is one of the few spots in the area with a shallow aquifer - an underground lake with the sweetest water you'll ever find in the desert - a true oasis.

*A successful fisherman who catches significant numbers of fish.

Captain Harry and the Power of Music

Captain Harry from "Deadliest Catch" is a well-known figure to fans of the popular TV show. Known for his rugged exterior and his straightforward approach to crab fishing, Captain Harry has become a fan favorite for his tough, hard-working personality. However, what many fans may not realize is that Harry has a hidden talent that is deeply rooted in his family history - music.

Growing up, Harry was surrounded by music and was especially drawn to the harmonica. His grandmother was a gifted pianist who played by ear, and his mother was a talented singer, leaving a lasting impression on Harry and introducing him to the power of music. He began playing the harmonica at a young age and quickly developed a love for music.  As with most musicians, music became a lifelong friend and even found its way into scenes of the Deadliest Catch.

Throughout his life, Harry's passion for music has only grown stronger, and he has honed his skills as a harmonica player. He is known for his ability to create powerful and emotional melodies with the instrument, and his music often reflects the challenges and triumphs of his life experiences, particularly those from his time spent at sea.

Even with the rough and unpredictable conditions of the Bering Sea, Harry has found a way to incorporate his music into his fishing career. He can often be found playing his harmonica in the wheelhouse of his boat, even during the toughest of storms. With his musical family as a constant source of inspiration, Harry uses his music to boost his spirits and stay focused on his work.

Captain Harry's musical background adds a new dimension to his already complex and fascinating personality. While he may be a tough and experienced fisherman, he is also a talented musician who was inspired by the musical talents of his grandmother and mother, as well as his cousins. His passion for music and dedication to his craft are a testament to his creative spirit.

Captain Harry is more than just a skilled fisherman and TV star. He is also a talented musician who was inspired by his family's musical heritage. With his harmonica, Harry has become a true jack of all trades, and his musical background is another aspect of his multi-faceted personality that has made him so beloved among fans of the show.

Captain Harry's Oasis Event Center

Captain Harry, the fan-favorite fisherman from the hit TV show "Deadliest Catch," has embarked on a new venture that combines his love for music and his desire to give back to the community. In 2012, Harry established the Oasis Event Center, an outdoor natural amphitheater located near Mountain Home, Idaho. The Oasis Event Center was named after its serene location and peaceful surroundings, serving as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Oasis Event Center is a truly unique venue, created with the vision of bringing music to life and providing a platform for local musicians and artists to showcase their talents. To bring his vision to life, Harry used 100-year-old growth timber from a JR Simplot warehouse to construct the event center. The use of this reclaimed wood not only added to the aesthetic of the venue but also showcased Harry's commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the area.

The Oasis Event Center has quickly become a popular destination for music festivals, events, and weddings. Harry's passion for music and his commitment to his community have made the Oasis Event Center a true gem, providing a place for visitors to enjoy live music in a stunning natural setting. The venue is surrounded by beautiful scenery and boasts an idyllic natural water supply, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. With its stunning outdoor setting and its focus on bringing music to life, the Oasis Event Center is a testament to Captain Harry's passion and dedication to his community.

June 2-3 2023 Harry's first annual Oasis 88 Music Festival is coming to the Event Center and with it, the first Idaho's Voice which will feature undiscovered local musicians. It is not a competition but an opportunity for local youth to perform on stage with Idaho Local musicians and be inspired by them.  The goal is to harness the power  of music and help the local community find its voice through music.

Captain Harry's Oasis Event Center is a true labor of love, combining his love for music and his desire to give back to the community. The use of the 100-year-old growth timber from the JR Simplot warehouse and its stunning outdoor setting have made the Oasis Event Center a truly unique and special venue, and Harry's vision has become a reality. Whether you're a fan of music, nature, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Captain Harry's Oasis Event Center is the perfect place to be.

If You Want to Make a Change, Make a Difference: The Mission of the Captain Harry Foundation

Captain Harry is also a man with a vision. Through his passion for music and his commitment to his community, Harry has made a lasting impact in the world of music and beyond. One of his most recent endeavors is the Captain Harry Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to building community, supporting local businesses, and empowering the youth of our community to become tomorrow's creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The foundation's mission is to bring a message of hope to our youth. The organization wants to empower them to make a difference in their world by unleashing their problem solving and critical thinking skills, with the confidence and the unique sense of identity that it creates in them. The foundation wants to inspire the youth of our community to follow their hearts, whether they become a rocket scientist, a craftsman, or a small business owner. They believe that by overcoming adversity, they will have the strength and the resilience to pursue their dreams, even if the path is seldom a straight line.

The foundation aims to support local businesses by providing resources and support for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. It also intends to build a community center that provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore their interests, learn new skills, and connect with others who share their passions. This center will include resources for entrepreneurship education and programs that unleash the creativity of our youth.

The Captain Harry Foundation also plans to establish a food bank to help families in need, and support local schools by providing educational programs that encourage young people to think critically and solve problems. By working together with local organizations, the foundation aims to create a thriving community where everyone has the resources they need to succeed and the support they need to reach their full potential.

More than just a non-profit organization, the Captain Harry Foundation is a movement. With its focus on community building, local business support, and empowering the youth of our community, the foundation is making a difference and inspiring the next generation to do the same. The foundation's message is clear: if you want to make a change, make a difference. And by doing so, we can build a better world for everyone.