I wish to add my condolences to all the thousands already posted and the millions felt around the world. I've never cried so much for someone I have never met. My heart felt sympathy for Terri, Bindi, little Bob, and Steve's father Bob, sisters Mandy & Joy - and of course to Wes Mannion and the rest of the "family" at Australia Zoo. Too bad this bright and shining star only graced this world for such a short time. My appreciation to Steve and Terri Irwin for taking us all in to their lives and world via the television. By crickey, we WILL miss ya mate!
We offer our deepest heartfelt condolences to the Irwin family and friends. Our prayers are with you during this painful time. We started watching Steve and Teri many years ago and enjoyed every show. We were so shocked to hear the news of Steve's passing. He shared such a wonderful excitement and appreciation for all wildlife and his contribution will always be remembered. My heart goes out to Teri..her burden is so heavy. Teri, keep this scripture close to you during the times ahead. God will show you your way..."They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint" -Isaiah 40:31.
Our prayers are with you (from Woodbridge, VA -USA) Heather, Christopher and Shiloh
From Hunter Sellen to Steve Irwin: After all of the years I have wachted all of your shows and I learned a lot of things about nature. Since about ten months of age I have caught tens of thousands of lizards, snakes, skinks and all kinds of stuff. I promise to always be kind and look out for the animals. I plan to be a Zookeeper someday thanks to you. From your #1 FAN HUNTER SELLEN. I WILL MISS YOU MATE!
our world has forever been changed with the death of steve.he will be missed.we all must keep on working to protect all the animal's and their habtat's sothat futere generation's can enjoy all that we enjoy today.i just want to say god bless you terri,bindi,robert and bob and all the zoo family.
The animals of the world have lost their hero this is true. The people of the world have lost a great man whom we looked up to. His love of life an his infectious enthusiasm will remain forever. We must teach the future to take up his mission of conservation and in this way he will live forever. God called him home to tend to his flock. Let us all remember to live each day to the fullest and treat each moment as more than just passing hours on a clock. Goodbye dear Steve and may you always know that the world is better because you were here.
I remember the first time I saw Steve Irwin. He was climbing down a rocky crevice with Terri right behind him - both of them absolutely fearless. I can't believe that glorius manchild, so full of love for all of the creatures of this earth, his crocs, his elephants, his little dog Sui, and, most of all, his beautiful family, Terri, Bindi, Baby Bob, his dad Bob, his mum Lyn, his sisters, Wes, and the list goes on and on. I believe he was deeply hurt by the criticism over the Baby Bob "stuff," and he didn't deserve that. Anyone who knew him, either personally or via the telly, recognized that he was a consummate professional who would never place either of his beloved children in danger. It is an unseemly trait in the nature of some humans that makes them want to bring down others with more successful lives. And Steve was successful because he was a complete human being, full of love, laughter, empathy, and even tears - tears for the baby elephant who would die so that others would survive, tears for the ancient croc who passed away, tears for his little dog and constant companion Sui. I loved him for those tears. They reminded me that even when it seems that the world is a pretty scary place there are still folks in it who are kind and loving. On September 4, the world lost "a noble heart," but a part of him will live on in his beautiful children.
Goodbye to Wes, my trusted friend. We've known each other since we were nine or ten. Together we climbed the hills and trees. Learned of Crocs and of the sea, skinned our hearts and skinned our knees.
Goodbye my mate, it's hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. And the crocs are everywhere. When you see them I'll be there. We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. But the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time.
Goodbye, My Mates, please pray for me, I was the crazy bloke of the family. I tried to teach you right from wrong. Showed you Agro was so strong, But I know you'll get along.
Goodbye, My Wife, it's hard to die when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. Bob and Bindi everywhere. When you see them I'll be there. We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. And the love that we shared, You were always there to care.
Goodbye, Bindi and Bob, my little ones. You gave me love and helped me find the sun. And every time that I was down you would always come around and get my feet back on the ground.
Goodbye, Bindi and Bob, it's hard to die when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. With the animals everywhere. Wish that we could all be there.
We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun. And the stars that we reached weren't just starfish on the beach.
I just found out what happened and my family and I would like to send our condolences to you and your family. I can't imagine what it would be like without one of my family members. We are such a tight unit, as you were as well, that it is an unbearable thought. I wish that I could change it for you and the children. From what I have seen you have very emotionally mature children and you are still very close knit. I pray that this will enable you to mourn and remember but not become lost in it. I have watched the show many times and was always amazed by Steve. He was so gung-ho about what he was doing. We know that he died doing what he loved and he is probably teaching and showing others about critters of all sorts wherever he is now.
I never met him, but was amazed by him. His spontaneity and zest for life and discovery will be missed in this household.
Remember, memories are wonderful and they never go away, you have that part forever.
Our thoughts and prayers will be forever with you and yours
My heart and my prayers go out to Steve's family, but also to the entire Austrailia Zoo staff. It was so heart wrenching to watch all of them at the memorial having to hold back the tears. This was especially true of Wes, Bob, and Bindi. I will continue to watch episodes of Crocodile Hunter, and Croc Diaries. During the tribute last weekend, I was glad that they showed the practical jokes episode. That one is my all time favorite episode of them all, and I think, shows what a playful and wicked sense of humor Steve could have. Steve will be missed.
I would like to send me condolences to the family and friends of Steve Irwin. I have never met him personally but he came across as a wonderful person who loved working with wildlife and loved his family. My 8 year old son and I love watching The Croc Hunter on tv everyday just to see the animals and his passion for them. I know that he is now in heaven continueing what he loved to do here on earth and that is working with wildlife. And making people smile there as well with the passion that he brings forth in dealing with wildlife. He will be missed by all no matter the age of the person, and "crikey" we will do our best in continueing his work here on earth. God bless you Steve and we will all miss you!!!!
I'm deeply touched by Steve for just simply who he was.I dream about people be more like him,be so loving and passionate for simple things in life.I know that he will never be forgoten,becouse his unbelievable energy and passion for animals.He is one of those that will be here forever.I think of Terri,Bindi and Bob and also those who were close to him.Worlds cannot say enough what I feel...my deepest sympathy goes to you.Jitka
Like so many others, your loss is my family's loss too. I told my five children (ages 8 to 1: my oldest son is a week younger than Bindi, my oldest daughter is a week older than Bob) that Steve had died. We cried together then watched "Wiggly Safari". My 4 year old autistic son then said, with tears in his eyes, that he would save animals when he got bigger since Steve wasn't here to do it anymore. It was the longest sentence he's ever spoken.
Steve, our family never met you and yours, but you've left your mark on us and many others. Few can say the same. We share your grief and your tears and hopefully we will always share your passion for the unlovable and your courage to do what's right. May peace be yours.
Love from Melanie, Eric, Ian, Keegan, Zayah, Hannah, and Miriam
Dear Terri and family, Steve was my hero and my favorite person on tv. I am 12 years old and I have watched him most of my life. I loved the amazing things he did. He made learning about animals a wonderful experience for me and my brother.I will miss him forever but he will always be in my heart. My dream is to come and see his zoo and the animals he loved. You are in my prayers, Shelby Hilker USA
My wife and I just wanted to post a short message to say we were deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. God Bless Steve's family and friends. We have shed tears here in Texas for the loss of a man that was a friend we never met.
My family hurts not only for the World, but for Steve Irwins Family. We know the pain involved in losing a family member, and our thoughts and prayers are with Terri, Bindi, Bob (son), and Bob (father) Steve's sisters and his whole family. Please accept our condolences and know that Steve Irwin will be in or memories the rest of our lives. He made an impact on how we think of all Animals.
Terri, we loved Steve. He made a difference in our lives. Although we did not know him, his loss is that of a friend. He was a hero to many and his words will continue through the years. The entire world mourns with you and your family. Len and Karen Harden Mapleton, Oregon
Dear Irwin family, From our family to yours, our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. The loss of bright souls is something we have felt very recently as well in the form of my Dad, at the age of 47, followed by my Uncle, at the age of 39, and finaly my Grandpa, at the age of 78. There are no words that make sence of tragic losses, no special phrases that can put it into perspective for you, that is something that has to come on its own. The best advice I can give you, not to say that I am in some manner an expert, just someone who is where you are, is to talk with family and friends, cry with your kids and listen to them intently. Most importantly, hang in there and know that you and yours are in the thoughts and prayers of millions of devoted fans, including our family, who have watched your family grow over the years, and consider you all friends. We invited Steve into our homes on a regular basis and looked forward to the lessons he taught us about wildlife and conservation and he made them entertaining while hooking us all on the message of activism and we love him for it and apreciate the time we did get to spend with him, however short. With all our love, the Atkinson's p.s. CROC'S RULE!!!
Terri, Bindi, Baby Bob, Bob and Steve's Sibilings,
I live in Albany Oregon - 40 miles north of Terri's home town in Eugene. I will probably never have the opportunity to travel so I thank your family so very much for allowing me to travel with you by television. My heart hurts for your loss, my loss, the animal's loss and the world's loss. The world aches for people like Steve Irwin and the Irwin family. I think of Steve and your family as modern day profits. You are great educaters and the conservation message will live on through Steve's legacy and the work you will continue to do. I wish that I could ease your pain. The world is grieving with you. You are not alone. I have cryed several times a day since Steve's spirit went to the other side (I call it heaven). I am so greatful that Bindi is going to continue with the Discovery Kids project. Bindi - you are a very remarkable young lady. Terri - I hope you continue educating us after you have had some time to work through this very challenging grief process. Baby Bob - I am so sorry that you will be growing up without the bennefit of knowing your wonderful Daddy. I am so glad that you have hours of video to know him by. You are a very important part of your father's legacy. Bob and Steve's sibelings - I am so sorry for the loss of your wife (Lynn)/mother and now the loss of your son (Steve)/brother. Bob - thank you and Lynn for starting the zoo and caring so much about the animals. My prayers are with you all.
My Deepest Condolences to the Irwin Family on their loss of Steve, From the very first time I saw Steve and Terri on television I loved them. They were on the side of a moutain and Terri was losing her grip, Steve had her by the hand or arm, and I could hear the fear in Terri's voice, telling Steve not to let go, he said he would never let go and with all his strength he hung on to her until she was able to get a better grip and they were both able to get to a safer place. I have follow your mission ever since. I love how much they shared their lives together, included Bindi and then Bob with their adventures and brought us along. When I heard what happen to Steve, I just started crying. I knew this world and it's animals had just lost one of the most influential people for conservation it has ever had. To Bob Irwin you raised one heck of a great man. I thank-you from the bottom of my heart for teaching, guiding, and encouraging Steve. Without you and Lyn we (the world) would not have had the privilege to know your humble beginnings, Steve,Terri,Bindi,Bob, your wonderful Zoo family, and how important the worlds animals are to all of us. To Terri, Bindi, Bob, I can only say we love you all and are morning with you, our prayers and thoughts will be with your family always, and I hope you will continue with Steve's mission when the time is right for you. Thank-you for letting us be apart of your lives. To Steve's sisters and their family's, I'm so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you all. I watched the Memorial Service and I couldn't stop crying, my grandson who is 4 and has autisum, found a tissue behind the desk and said to me, wipe eyes, gave me a hug and sat on my lap for the rest of the service. The only animal show that holds his interest is the Croc Hunter and I thank-you all for that. He loves animals because of all of you. Elephants,Snakes, and Crocs are his favorite. Wes my heart goes out to you, I know you've lost your brother and best friend and that is a lot for one man to bear, always know he loved you, he loved all of you. His face always lit up whenever he talked about any of you. Our family suffered a great loss also my father, uncle and their best friend died in a boating accident in 1980, they had all been scuba divers for over 20 yrs. So to loose them in the water was extremely difficult for years to come. My mother raised my 2 brothers and sister. I Thank God everyday for my mother's strength. Someone told my mother not to cry in front of us kids after we lost my Dad, and my mother's response was, by crying in front of us kids it showed us how much she loved and missed our Dad. I love my mom so much for holding us together, even when she did not think she could hold up herself. Terri I'm glad you went to Australia and found each other. Thank-goodness for that little sign that drew you into the zoo. It's the little signs that God gives us that sometimes mean the most. I knew from the first time I saw you both together that you were kindred spirits. Even though we have never met I always thought of you both as friends, teachers, and missionaries of wildlife. Bindi and Bob are both wonderful and everytime I see them I see Steve. We will miss Steve very much, he has taught my family not to be afraid of who you are, grab life and live it with zest, and to love all life. I'm glad my family and I came with you on your adventures. This world is a better place because of Steve. God Bless You All, Sincerely, Momlehman
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Our condolences to Terri, Bindi, Bob Clarence, Bob and all the Irwin Family. My teacher is writing this for me, and every time she speaks to me about Australia where she lived for a long time, reminds me "The crocodile Hunter". I like his shows and I still want to think he is still here with all of us. I miss him very much. Lucas Maus- Buenos Aires-ARGENTINA
Our hearts and prayers go out to Terri, Bindi, little Bob, Bob and all the friends and coworkers of Steve. He was a wonderful champion for Animals and a beautiful father and husband.
Not a day goes by in our house when Steve wasn't on our TV. God Bless you all for continuing his journey and passion for animals.
May He Rest in Peace Dwayne, Linda, Michelle & Jess Smith Cleveland, OH USA
My prayers go out to the entire Irwin family. Steve was one of the coolest guys ever on T.V. when i woke up and found out what happened I was in shock. Yesterday I was watching the news and I saw little Bindi out there talking about her Daddy, I couldn't believe the strength of the little girl, she never faltered, obviously a trait recieved from both parents. I hope the whole family knows what he meant to the whole world. We should all be so lucky as to feel so passionatley about something as he did wildlife. He will be greatly missed and I hope to see more of the Irwin family and the Australia Zoo on television. And Ms. Terri if you read this you have a special spot in my prayers. God bless. And Steve you will never be forgotten. CROCS RULE!!!!!!!
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Terri, Bindi, Bob and the rest of Steve's family and friends at the zoo. It has been one of my dearms to meet Steve doing what he did best and it will always be one. I have been watching Steve on the TV for as long as I can remeber every night seeing something new. He made me think of what I could do to help out the animals. So its one of my dearms do open a place for animals or any kind that need a helping hand after I get out of high school. I watched the memorial for Steve and I remebered all the good times I had watching Steve jumping onto the croc's like there was nothing to it. I learned so much my just watching him with the animals. We will alway remeber that Steve died doing what he did best, trying to teach others about the animals. Also I would like to send a note to Bindi for what she did for her dad was the greatest thing you could ever do, you showed how strong willed you are standing up in front of everyone talking about your daddy. Bindi your just like your father in every way just stay with it and you will go far.
Best wishes, Rebekah Atwell (age 17) Aurora Colorado, USA
My entire family is devistate over the loss of Steve. I can't begin to imagine how much pain you are in lossing some as actively involved as Steve. I love my babies (animals that I have adopted) and when I first saw Steve and Terri I thought I'm not alone in the world there is someone who understands loving animals and caring how they feel. I hope that people never forget what Steve taught them and that Terri and the family continue Steve's mission. Sending you heart felt sympathy Pamela Hawkins, Alabama and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing! I am an amimal lover as well as a Steve Irwin lover! I have tried to watch all of his shows since 2000 and will miss him dearly! My deepest condolences to Terry, Bindi & Bob!
Too many times this pain has come in my life, but as Steve said we owe him to continue on. My heart hurts, my eye's tear up and I will never forget this man or his efforts. To Terri, Bindi, Bob I send my deepest sympathy. To Wes and Bob and John, please continue to carry on his work and let the world know how it is going. We will all cry, we will all miss him, and we will always remember the Crocodile Hunter. He is with his mum and Sui now, may we all find our passions in life as Steve did.
From Alabama - all my love to the family and extended family at the Zoo
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve Irwin.
Steve's passing has had a much greater impact on me than I anticipated. I think much of it is because Steve filled a tremendous void that this world had. I don't think we were aware of that void before Steve hit the global stage, and now we are all too painfully aware of it. Aside from the great contributions he made to wildlife awareness and conservation, he embodied so many wonderful qualities that would make us all better people if we would just follow in his footsteps. I think Kevin Costner put it well when he stated that one of the greatest things about Steve was his fearlessness to be himself in front of the world. We are blessed because Steve was fearless to show himself and all of his wonderful qualities to us. We would all be better people to live with the love and passion that Steve had. He is truly an example and an inspiration to all of us in living a life well lived. We must not forget. Let's honor Steve by striving to live with the love and passion he did, and to be fearless just to be who we are.
I remember the day my wife told me in great excitement the fellow she had seen on Animal Planet. She said he was the most incredibly enthusiastic person she'd ever witnessed. She was talking about Steve Irwin, of course, and boy was she right! The Croc Hunter became a staple program in our family from that day forward.
Steve brought us many hours of education and entertainment like no other before. He was the best ambassador Australia and this world's wildlife ever had.
To Steve's wife, Terri, daughter, Bindi, and son, Bob, we will pray for you throughout the years. And we'll remember the Crocodile Hunter forever.
To Terri, Bindi, both Bob’s, Wes, and the rest of Steve’s extended family, I wish to give you thanks for letting us share with you in the public remembrance of that greatest of great men Steve Irwin. I loved him and miss him like a brother and I will never forget him. He was a wonderful, caring human being and he had a talent possessed by no one else on the planet. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You are all truly great wonderful people. Continue the great work of Steve and hold him close to your hearts. I will do my part to remember and respect my hero and help continue his work.
Thank you all so very much. I look forward to seeing you continue where Steve left off.
I am still coming to terms with Steve Irwin's death. The shock and sorrow is very strong for someone I've never met. I think his message was more powerful than anyone could ever have imagined. My thoughts and prayers go to Terri, Bindi, Bob, Wes, Bob, Steve's sisters and all of the Zoo Crew. Lisa-Ham Lake, MN
I would just like to pay my respects to Terri,Bindi and little Robert and all Steve's family and friends Losing Steve to the world is a great loss but i am sure he is here in spirit as i know his spirit will live on forever and all the great things he achieved for this world well what can i say what a great guy.Me and all my family will really miss steve i still cant believe what as happened and its thanks to Steve and all the crew at australia zoo that my daughter Natasha age8 will no doubt work with reptiles and help them like Steve did .You really made your mark Steve on alot of very young people who will follow in your footsteps and help all the animals in this world like you did.My family will never forget you Steve and for what you have done. Your passing will not be in vien and i would like to send all my love to all of Steves family and friends at australia zoo and CRIKEY Steve we'll miss ya mate xxx
RIP, Steve. I loved watching your shows. It was nice to see a person who really loved life, lived it to the fullest, and such a nice person as well. You will be missed.
While watching the memorial service, my 7 year old son sad " Mom, Steve had a great life and a great family." Steve's message really touched the next generation, and they will never forget. And we know that Terri, Bindi and Bob, and Bob Sr., as well as Wes and John and all the Croc family, are part of that message and it will contiune to go forward. All of our hearts are crying for you, but we promise to do our part to carry on the work with you.. The Eck Family Indianapolis, IN
I'm so sorry sweetheart. Let Steve walk beside you for as long as you need, and someday, when the time is right, consign him to your heart. He would want you to be whole again, to not live in his shadow forever. I'm sure you will find your way. You are so wonderful unto yourself, Terri. Steve was the wind to your earth. You can do anything, I am sure of that. Much love to you and the kids - xxxooo
I just want to say that my daughter has been watching the "Crocidile Hunter" since she was about 8 mths old, she is now 5. She came to me and asked me "mommy why did he have to go" i still do not know how to respond to that question. Steve will be missed very much in our home. Terri, Bindi and Baby Bob our condolences from the bottom of our hearts. Steve we miss u.
*sigh*I used to watch Steve Irwin on his show. When I heard he died I was Devastated.I..I..I...mean..he survived other life/death experiences..Its soo Sad..I pay my respects to him and to his family..I'm sorry for your loss Irwin family
I have been watching him ever since I knew he was here..It was a great loss for me..I just have to say one things. We keep his dream of discovering animals. He was The greatest animal man Ive ever known..
My family and I would like to send our deepest condolences to the Irwin family. Though we did not know steve personally, we felt as if we did. We were stunned by the news of his death and have been crying and praying for his family, friends and co-workers ever since. We have been watching his shows for many years. We are deeply saddened that we missed the airing of his memorial service. We were unaware that it was on until the news announced it after it aired. hearing this was almost as bad as hearing the news of his death. We so wanted the opportunity to say goodbye. I would like to thank the family for agreeing to record and air this service, even though we did not get the opportunity to see it. I wish that I could convey to the Irwin family the depth of my family's feelings for them. We loved your loved one. We will miss him. He taught us much. We felt included in his childhood, we were amazed at his parents and their accomplishments, we were impressed with his friendship with his best mate Wes, We viewed your wedding and wished you the best, we laughed at your honeymoon adventures, we cried at the birth of your daughter, we mourned with him when we heard of the loss of his mother, and applauded the presentation of your son. We were outraged on your behalf at the media for saying that Bobs presentation to the world was unsafe in any way. To the Irwin family, friends and co-workers, please know that you are in our prayers continuously. Thank you for enriching our lives. Suzanne W, Jared 10, Nancy (Grandma), Kiera 11, and Marley 5.
Steve will be sorely missed.I am a animal lover and anyone who devotes their lives to educate the public about misunderstood animals.There is still a lot of things an animals can teach us and anyone who exposes the myths is tops in my books.He was a good man and I'm sure that his legacy will live on.Great job mate.
for terri,kids,mr irwin,and all steves family and friends.no words can take away the heartache you have.the memorial was beautiful,steve would have been so proud to see how millions of people are devestaed by his death.what a beautiful tribute to a great man.we all shall miss him,but he will live in our hearts forever,but noone could miss him like you do,i saw the hurt and pain everyone was feeling during the memorial,that he was ripped out of your lives this way.my thoughts and prayers with you always..you will always have a friend for life in the us..a poem..the broken chain..we didn't know that morning,that god would call your name. in life we loved you dearly,in death we do the same..it broke our hearts to loose you.you did not go alone.part of us went with you when god called you home.you left us peaceful memories,your love is still our guide,and though we cannot see you,you are always by our side.our family chain is broken,and nothing is the same,but as god calls us one by one,the chain will link again.i hope this brings you comfort somehow..take care,my arms are reaching across the us to hug you all..elizabeth.saratoga springs ny
I am deathly afraid of snakes, and I still am. However, until I began to watch Steve's shows that involved snakes with my sons I couldn't even stand to view the sight of snakes on the t.v. screen. I've gotten over that hurdle. Being around snakes in real life is another one. If it were not for my two sons, I would never have gotten the chance to watch Animal Planet, nor would I have gotten the chance to witness the beautiful side of humanity expressed by Steve Irwin and his family. There is so much ugliness and evil in this world, and until Animal Planet, I had only seen it in the "most undesirable animals." To this day, I can only see ugliness and evil in human beings and only innocence and much needed compassion exists in the animal world. This world needs another loved warrior in heaven, and we can sleep safely in our beds at night knowing that Steve was called and needed even though his presence will be missed terribly on earth. We will all meet again when our good deeds are done here. Be strong, Terri. Keep up the good work, Bob, Bindi, and Bob.
I don't know if the Irwin family will read these messages; but, I pray that they will, and will be encouraged by our words of love. My post may be too long; but, it is heart felt.
Dearest Terri, Bindi, Bob, Father Bob, and Steves Sisters, Staff and Friends, My name is Christina Turner. My Daughter Ariel just turned 11 years old 17 September 2006. My husband Mark is a professional truck driver for Schneider National Inc. He and I are 52, and 51 years old, respectively. We have been married since June of 1974. At the time, Mark left the Bible college he attended, to join the 82nd Airborne Division. That is when we met. We have had many down times in our marriage; but, never lost sight of the fact that your family is where you should receive comfort, encouragement, and support. We did not have an enlarged family. That was okay because we had each other. Mark was estranged from his family because he was compelled to go into Oceanography or Marine Biology; but, his mom wanted him to become a missionary and sent him to a Bible college. He stayed for 1 year; but, decided to part from what was expected of him by joining the military, a committment that he would not be able to get out of after signing the official paperwork. Since that time, we have had children and grandchildren; but, our love for animals, great and small, land and sea, has not diminished. Once we had children, there was no viable method for Mark to pursue his love for the creatures that God placed in the ocean. We had a short term of duty in San Fransisco, the Presidio, and we loved it very much. We have had our share of strays, and been blessed to assist animals that were injured or in danger; but, have always wished we had been able to be out there in the wild, helping the creatures that others only observed from a safe distance. That is still frustrating to us, to know that there are trained people who love animals and yet allow "nature" to take its course, when they have the ability to interviene and make a difference. They get "ratings" for their showmanship and the elaborate measures they go to to find creatures to display; but, they never follow up on these animals or seem to concern themselves with the way the animals may be exploited, harmed, or on their way to extinction. Why am I bothering you with this seemingly trivial information? Because we want you to know that Steve Irwin is one of the bravest, kindest, most passionate people that we would ever hope to meet. We wish we could have met him in person. He truely made a difference. He is a hero to all and a great warrior! He married a woman who shared his passion and will continue to encourage their children to carry on the passion and message of their father. All creatures have their place, purpose, and need our assistance. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Irwin did a fantastic job in seeing the potential and purpose in Steve, cultivating this and encouraging Steve to be who God created him to be. All of you should be very proud of Steve, and we encourage you to continue to help Bindi and Bob to fullfil their destiny. They have already made their dad proud! They are a testament to the parents and grandparents who know how to properly prepare their children for the arena of various animals, the dangers and the blessings. Don't lose sight of what your family stands for. Don't let doubts overshadow the fact that you are doing what you were created for. Don't let "media" discourage your continued efforts on the behalf of the creatures who are indeed crying at the loss of their "champion"!! If Mark had been able to pursue his dreams, our lives would have been qualitatively better. We may have lived shorter lives; but, only God knows when our time is over. As hard as it is for me to put that faith in God, since the "untimely" passing of Steve Irwin, I know that it is true. My mother died when I was 18 years old, my brothers were 13 and 9 years old (She was only 47 years old). I have had decades to try to grasp the "greiving" process; but, never the less, as Steve said of his dear mother, "It hurts every day and will never go away." Try, dear ones, to cling to God right now. He is ever with you and will never leave you or forsake you. Look to Him. The pain is real, the loss is real, the sorrow is real, and the God that created us, and all of creation is real. I could see Him through Bindi, as she bravely spoke of her daddy. I could see Him through Mr. Irwin as he spoke of his son as his best mate. I could see Him through Wes as the tears were overwhelming him. I could see him through John Stainton as he spoke of his relationship with Steve. I could see Him in the music, the people who spoke about Steves' indellable impression upon their lives, and the poetry about the crocodiles crying. Steve knew that God would watch over your family. I know it was not Steves' choice to leave, I can almost hear him saying, "Crikey! I've still got a lot of work to do! I still have my precious babies and wife to protect, and my dad and Wes still need me to help them with Agro!" Yet, I think that he knew that with his mates standing behind your dear family, and hundreds of millions of people who are so much more in tune with wildlife, that God will get all of you through this time and help you to continue with what began as a dream and flourished into a true mission. I think he might just be a little comforted knowing that God will be there with you all. Another thing that convinces me that God has been with you all and in your hearts, is the way that all of you have put your lives on the line for the "underdogs" (pardon the expression) of the animal kingdom, who have been villified by people who have no understanding of these creatures. In the Bible God tells us that there is no greater love than a man who gives his life for a friend. All of creation is in sorrow for your family. Yet they know that their friend, Steve Irwin, gave his life for them. Then, I saw the film in which Steve diverts his work to save the American divers, one of whom lost her life; but, instead of taking any credit, Steve said, "I'm not the hero. He's the hero, he should get a medal!" That is just the kind of thing that we would expect of Steve Irwin. In closing, may we add our condolances to the entire Irwin family, friends, and staff that share the mission with Steve to save Gods creatures. Continue the mission! To Terri may we say, you have had something very rare and precious and we are sorry for your loss; but, we know that your children will keep Steve alive for you. You will see him in everything they do. May God grant you the strength and wisdom to continue the mission, and continue to love the life you have. To Bindi may we say, your daddy IS proud of you sweetie! You have so much to look forward to, and you will help your mommy, brother, and grampa with the special mission that is in your heart! May God grant you comfort and courage to do what you have in your heart to do with your life. To baby Bob, you are a reflection of your daddy. You are going to help your sister with your mommy and grampa as they continue to protect the creatures that your daddy loves. May God bless you with strenght and endurance in all that you do. To Mr. Bob Irwin we say that it is hard for a parent to lose a child; but, you and your wife did a wonderful job in allowing Steve to be Steve! You have to know that for this purpose Steve was placed on this planet. God will be with you as you stand strong for your daughters, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. May God grant you abundant strenghth to go forward and continue what you and Steve worked so hard to accomplish. You can be proud of your son, sir. He is the "son" that everyone wishes that they had. Honor, dignity, love, compassion, selflessness, and devotion. To Steve's sisters may we say that we are deeply sorry for your loss. We know Steve cannot be replaced. May God grant you the wisdom to carry on as you know Steve would have wanted for you to do. May you be blessed with courage to forge ahead and work with the team to continue the passion that Steve has for all creatures. To Wes may we say that you loss is felt deeply all over the planet. May God grant you the strength to take up the "spot" that needs to be filled since Steve passed. We watched the program in which Steve said that he would give his life for you, therefore, I am sure that you are the mate he would want to be looking out for his family and his beloved animals. May God bless you with wisdom in your future decisions. To Mr. Stainton may we say that we are genuinely sorry that you had to witness the passing of your dear friend. May God grant you the wisdom to assist the Irwin family in any manner they need. May you be blessed with abundant resources to continue the mission of your dear friend. To the staff of the Crocoseum and all who worked with Steve, continue to help the Irwin family and the dream and passion that was Steve. May God grant you success in all your endeavors as you help Steves family and the creatures he loves so dearly. To all who participated through watching the Irwin programs or assisted Steves quest to educated humans and save creatures: DON'T LET THE DREAM OR THE PASSION DIE!!! HELP THE IRWINS CONTINUE THE LEGACY!!! With Deepest Regards And Love, Ariel, Christina, and Mark Turner
To The Irwin Family And The australian Zoo Employees. May god be with you during this terrible loss of one awesome man. he will be missed so dearly. May His legend live on forever.
Terry , Bindi , and Little Bob. Like everyone on this planet I cannot believe THE most influential man (other than my father) I know, is gone. Such a HUGH loss. I found out about Steves accident when I arrived early for work and CNN was on in the breakroom and Steves face was on the t.v. and the caption under it read "Irwin dies". I was in total shock, how could a man with a vest for life and all living creatures be dead? My heart along with other people in that breakroom sank. The rest of that day was a fog I could only imagine the heart break of Terry,her children,and, Wes.... Steve's best friend and right hand man were feeling. I say with a truly deeply saddened heart that I will miss his silly antics doing a very dangerous job. God Bless The entire Irwin family,and friends.
I would like to send me condolences to the family and friends of Steve Irwin. I have never met him personally but he came across as a wonderful person who loved working with wildlife and loved his family.
