The World Lost an Incredible Man
Steve Irwin 1962 - 2006

…and a family lost a Husband, a Dad and a Son.

On 4 September 2006, Steve Irwin died after being fatally wounded by a stingray at Batt Reef on the Great Barrier Reef, off Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. He was filming a segment for Bindi’s television show at the time.

You couldn’t help but like Steve Irwin, his down to earth nature despite his fame, his incredible passion for wildlife and his enthusiasm to realise his dream.

Steve’s death affected me greatly. I felt like I knew him. I know that I will always remember where I was when I heard the news of Steve’s death.

The Crocodiles Are Crying

By Rupert McCall 2006

Endless visions fill my head - this man - as large as life

And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife

Because the way I see Steve Irwin - just put everything aside

It comes back to his family - it comes back to his pride

His animals inclusive - Crikey - light the place with love!

Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above

The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch

Living out his dream and in that classic 'Stevo' crouch

Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek

It's one thing to be honoured as a champion unique

It's one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved

It's another to be taken in and genuinely loved

But that was where he had it right - I guess he always knew

From his father’s modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo

We cringed at times and shook our heads - but true to nature’s call

There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all

Yes the more I care to think of it - the more he had it right

If you're going to make a difference - make it big and make it bright!

Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!

But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst

A world so large and loyal that it's hard to comprehend

I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end

To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration

May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation

...My daughter broke the news to me - my six year old in tears

It was like she'd just turned old enough to show her honest fears

I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying

His little girl explained it best...she said "The crocodiles are crying"

Their best mate's up in heaven now - the crocs up there are smiling!

And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling

As sure as we'll continue with the trademarks of his spiel

Of all the tributes worthy - he was rough...but he was real

As sure as 'Crikey!' fills the sky

I think we'll miss ya Steve...goodbye

Besides the award winning Australia Zoo, Steve and Terri Irwin established Wildlife Warriors in 2002. The main objective of this cause is education and preservation of the natural environment. Learn more about Wildlife Warriors.

I wish Terri, Bindi and Robert all the very best as they carry on his wonderful work.

Crocs Rule! May Steve Irwin live in our hearts forever and his wildlife work never die.

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