RIP Steve "Croc Hunter" IRWIN

McPhisto · Post by **McPhisto** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:05 am

you will be missed

EmeryaldPhoenixx · Post by **EmeryaldPhoenixx** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 12:17 pm

Yes he will be greatly missed.

I was very sad at the news.

Lilae · Post by **Lilae** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:59 pm

Phisto you know that no matter how much ribbing you gave him, I always insisted I was a fan. I know that most aussies said in the past they were embarrassed by him, but he really did give a fresh new look to Australia to the rest of the world.

He brought in countless millions of dollars in tourist money if nothing else anyway.

I am truly saddened, and I find myself not wanting to think about it. I guess because I've spent so much time watching his documentaries and have been such a big fan for a long time.

No matter what, he was down to earth. He was honest and like a guy you would meet at a pub. Totally enthusiastic about what he believed in.

He died doing what he loved, and he didn't suffer. We should all be so lucky. I just really feel horrible for his two young children (Bindi age 8 and Robert age 3) and his wife.

Killmour · Post by **Killmour** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:02 am

It is a tragedy, but what a strange way to go.

McPhisto · Post by **McPhisto** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:43 pm

i wouldnt say we were embarrassed by him, but originally i did think 'dickhead'

it is really starting to be felt here how much he was admired by aussies. They are having the a memorial for him. The only place they can fit it is a football stadium in Brisbane. I mean, the man is dead and still pulls a bigger crowd than most football teams.

We have had a hard week over here. We lost another legend this week. Peter BROCK died. Now Peter Perfect or the King of the Mountain as he was sometimes know was Australias best even racing car driver and was killed in a car accident in Western Australia during a car rally.

We are just gutted down here at the moment.

Lilae · Post by **Lilae** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:38 pm

I saw an interview with him from an Australian talk show recently, and he was talking about the "Baby Bob" incident. He admits he probably shouldn't have done that for the cameras, although he was completely confident the child was in no danger.

He spoke about being a celebrity, and how most celebrities go up and get knocked down and climb their way up again. He said he had been up for so long that he didn't realize it was still so easy to fall. He looked so humble, speaking about how he and his wife were almost back on top again. One of the things I always liked about Steve was the way he could be so human. He usually shouted and smiled and leaped, but there were times he was solemn and sad. Those were very touching moments, because he spoke from his heart.

I remember one documentary he was in some wildlife sanctuary in Africa. There was a baby elephant whose mother had been killed by poachers. The baby was so young, and was also very sick from being left alone for a long time. He spent time with it, spoke to it, but also wept openly when the weak little baby showed gratitude by touching him with its trunk. That little elephant died within days. Steve was so upset by that.

I still can't quite believe it. Sorry to go on, but this whole week, whenever I think about it I can't quite come to terms with how I feel. People joking only makes me angry.

I do take comfort in the fact that his wife and his zoo will surely continue the work he did. Unfortunately without their bombastic, energetic, grinning leader.

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Peter Brock as well. I wasn't very familiar with him, but it's always hard for a nation when a hero passes away. It was like that over here when Dale Earnheardt died several years ago. People still revere the man, and all he was was a NASCAR racer. Speak badly about him in Alabama and you're likely to get a broken face.

Post by **Urgon** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:30 pm

I feel the same as Lilae. Very sorry to hear the news about Steve (and now Peter). I too found myself thinking about him a lot he past few days, and I'm not sure why.

Certainly the sadness of the sudden loss, and the thought of his wife & children going on without him. The tributes to him have revealed how much he has influenced nature conservation in both Australia and around the world. But, I think it is alot of what Lilae said. He seems like the kind of guy you would like to bump into at a pub, and you'd leave feeling he was your good friend. Just a very likeable guy.

At least he was doing what he truely loved, and was able to do it for as long as he had. Still sad though...

Peace everyone..