I've found Steve's passing very difficult, as if one of my own family members had died, and what was harder was that it was difficult for me to figure out why I was feeling so strongly, I’m not typically an emotional person. While watching Steve memorial it finally occurred to me. I think what has made me so sad is that in this troubled world where everywhere you look you see conflict and pain, Steve's overwhelmingly positive attitude and unbridled enthusiasm was unique. I work in violence prevention so every day I am confronted by just how cruel the world can be, and how easy it can be to become frustrated because the problems are so large and overwhelming. But watching Steve Irwin always gave me hope.

I watched an episode last night where they had caught a 16 foot croc and while releasing it Steve broke his finger. After setting it himself and then taping it up, he put the pain aside, got a huge smile, and thanked all of his mates for their help. In this world we need more people like Steve, people who will put aside small setbacks (like broken fingers) and celebrate the positive contributions being made. I know that I will never forget him, and will look to him as an example of how to approach life, and how to really make change. I think we all have the power to make the world a better place, especially in small ways. Steve was one of the few people who had the power, simply by being himself, to make large-scale change.

To Terri, Bindi, Bob, Bob Sr., and other family and friends, I thank you deeply for sharing Steve with the rest of us. Always know that by encouraging Steve to be who he was, and by following him on his journey (and in Bob Sr’s case, leading him) you have given the world a priceless gift.

And to Steve, wherever you are, I’ll miss you, mate.

Jonathan Berry
Bellingham, WA