Farewell To A Hero

The world bid a final farewell to a true hero yesterday. Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter", was honored in a public memorial service at the Australian Zoo's Crocoseum. It was fitting tribute but also tough to watch his close friends and family, especially his widow Terri, still in deep anguish over their loss. After all, over the past 10 years, they all beamed into our living rooms and became like friends as they offered intimate glimpses into their personal lives as they grew. ...the good and the bad. In addition, they provided entertainment and education with a unique style and flare that nobody else has or ever will match. It is truly amazing in how well they connected with people across all races and continents. They were honest and real.

He was extremely passionate about wildlife conservation and literally moved mountains in educating and motivating millions of people around the globe to share his passion and purpose. Even more important is the fact that he made a tremendous positive impact on the next generation to become empassioned about wildlife conservation including the "scary" critters like snakes and crocodiles. As an adult and a big kid at heart myself, I've certainly learned alot from Steve Irwin. I always enjoyed and benefitted from watching his shows.

If that weren't enough, he was also the best visible role model for kids and even adults in the past decade. I try hard to think of any other person that would come close and I can't. Pro athletes often fall short with greed, selfishness, and drug problems. Actors or politicians? Puh-leeze. Steve Irwin never had any vices and exuded nothing but compassion, love, consideration, responsibility, strength, strong family values, honesty, humbleness, kindness, etc. He also spent millions of dollars as a result of his fame and reinvested right back into wildlife conservation and education to further his life's mission. He never let fame or notoriety corrupt him even the slightest bit..and instead used it to perpetuate his message. He was always just being his true self. The world has lost a true hero in many respects.

Crikey! We'll certainly miss you, bloke. RIP, mate.