I can't think of a single person that has changed the world as Steve did nor a single person that will be missed more.

The world has seen many tragic deaths in last 40 odd years. John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, John Lennon, River Phoenix, John F. Kennedy Jr., Gianni Versace, and Princess Diana to name a few. But none has been felt more than our loss of Steve Irwin. He touched more hearts and changed more lives than we ever imagined one person could.

Many people have thought that one person can't change the world but Steve has proven us all wrong. His love, dedication, enthusiasm and pride has touched the hearts everyone lucky enough to turn on their tv and see his smiling face and nobody will be missed more.

Many people have thought that we cannot truly love someone we have never met. But Steve proved us wrong there as well. There is a hole in my heart that was created the moment I found out he has left our world and it will never be filled by another person.

I carry that emptyness proudly knowing that everytime I feel it I will be reminded of him. Reminded that it is possible to change this world, it is possible to touch hearts, to change lives, and to make a difference. It is a lesson I have heard many times in my life but never truly believed until now.

Steve has not only left a legacy for conservation. He has left a legacy of love, commitment, and pride. He made us all want to be better people. What better legacy to leave this world with?

Steve, I have laughed with you, hoped with you, dreamed with you. Now I cry with the world at our loss of you. You left us too soon and the world will never be the same without you.

To Steve's family and friends. Thank you for sharing Steve with us. Our hearts are with you. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers. Your loss is our loss. And it is a great one.

We will never forget.

Amen.