Steve was amazing
When you think of the great characters that came out of Australia, many of you may think of Mad Max, Rolf Harris, Alf Stewart, Harold Bishop, Dame Edna and of course Mick Dundee. But surely the greatest of them all has to be Mr Steve Irwin? Why? Simply because he was the real deal.
OK, you may be able to argue a case for old Rolf not being a well-constructed fake, but what has he contributed to the world bar a comedy beard, awful music, and the debatable line: "Do you know what it is yet?"
Steve was the closest thing possible to a modern day Noah (friend to all animals). But the advantage he had over the biblical icon was a "Ute" full of passion.
He was a man with a true zest for life.
I was always of the opinion that it was all an exaggerated act just for the TV screens, but having visited his zoo while in Noosa and learning about the man himself I came away with a new found respect for the "Crocodile Hunter". I've never seen anybody who cared so much about animals.
Not many people realise the huge amount of his own money that was lovingly pumped into the conservation of wildlife. He's done so much to increase awareness, to educate and to open gateways for many others to follow tamely in his footsteps.
That's why I call for his catchphrase "Crikey" to be laid to rest with him. It wouldn't be right for anybody else to use it.
Don't get too down, he died doing what he loved best. I like to look at the way he went as simply falling victim to an over curious stingray unknowingly thanking Steve for all he's done in its own fatal way.
RIP Steve Irwin, 1962 - 2006.
Simon Bunn, Cleobury Mortimer
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