Irwin's Dad: "We Were Good Mates"

Steve Irwin's dad addresses crowdIn the first public comments by Steve Irwin's family since his death on Monday, his father thanked his son's many fans for their messages of support.

"There's never been anybody else that I know of that had the personality that Steve had, and the strength, and the conviction of what he believed in," his father told a crowd of news cameras, journalists and well-wishers at the gate of the Australia Zoo. "And his message was conservation, and he was such a strong person that people all over the world believed in him."

Irwin, who described his son as his "best mate ever," reiterated the family's wishes not to have a state funeral, as offered by Prime Minister John Howard, saying, "He's just an ordinary bloke and he wants to be remembered as an ordinary bloke."



Tags: bob irwin, BobIrwin, crocodile hunter, CrocodileHunter, steve irwin, SteveIrwin, stingray

Reader Comments

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31. My deepest sympathy to Terri, Steve's wife, his daughter Bindy and his infant son Bob during this time of great loss. Though there are no answers to "WHY?", your husband and father will always be remembered for his enthusiasm, his love of life and his desire to teach others and spread that enthusiasm we loved to watch and feel through him.
He will never be totally gone. He is off on another adventure and when you see him next he will no doubt share every second with you.
There was only one Crocodile Hunter....one Steve......he will be in our hearts forever.
Thank you so much for being willing to share him with us.

Posted at 2:26PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Faith

32. I was so shocked to hear of Steve's untimely death. Our family loved to watch his shows, he seemed to be such a good, kind person and so brave as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And may we all remember him.

Posted at 2:30PM on Sep 6th 2006 by DJ

33. Every now and again the world is graced by a special person that can reach across the globe and affect all nationalities with a heartfelt endeavor...this would be Steve...The world is a better place because of him and although he is physically gone his message will never fade...my heartfelt thoughts to his family and I hope all Steve's GOOD across the globe will help fill his families hearts in his absence.

Posted at 3:19PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Kim

34. I just want to say a quick note about Steve Irwin. He changed my life. I was going to be a Criminal Justice major in college but after watching Steve Irwin for several years, I finally decided to take a chance and follow my dreams and am now finishing up school in Biology with a Concentration in Animal Conservation. Every day of my life is more fullfilled now because of the inspiration that Steve gave me to follow my passion, and not to just do what I may be "good" at, and even though it will be tough, I will always think of Mr. Irwin and what he did for the animals everywhere; he gave animals everywhere the voice they needed. So thank you Steve, you changed my life. You will always be alive in my heart!

Posted at 2:41PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Dayna

35. My heart breaks for the entire Irwin family! The world has lost a truly passionate animal activist and loving family man. We will miss you Steve. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

Posted at 2:54PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Teresa Redman

36. the crocodile hunter will always be in our hearts and home. God Bless the Irwin family and friends.

Posted at 3:01PM on Sep 6th 2006 by SP

37. Shocking to hear of his passing. I thought Steve was one of a kind. He was lucky
or blessed to be able to live the life he did. Many of us never get to do that. He will missed, spoke fondly of and admired. Terry, I pray that God comforts you in a new and wonderful way. You and your children will be in our prayers. Never let them forget Steve's excitement and desire to change the lives of animals. God chose Steve for that job I'm sure, none could be as dedicated as he.

Posted at 5:23PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Betty June

38. My deepest sympathy to the Irwin family and to all his friends and fans.
This is truly a great loss for those of us left behind.
In all my years of living and loss, the one thing I know for sure is this. The measure of a man is not how much he made and kept but what he left behind. For Steve his value to this earth was immeasurable. He made people laugh, he made them gasp, he made people forget about their own pain for just a little while and he entertained us while he educated us.
His was truly a unique spirit, driven, dedicated, compassionate and selfless. His life was dedicated to the conservation efforts. He taught children and adults alike, respect for the environment and all those that shared it. He was a postive force in a world where conflict rules.
I only pray that the family knows and believes that while the body may perish, the Spirit never does. Steve's light will always glow in the hearts and minds of those the knew him.

Blessed Be Irwin Family
God Speed Steve

Posted at 3:06PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Maura Hall

39. Thank you, Steve, for everything you taught us.
May you rest in peace and sincere condolences to
your family.

Posted at 4:19PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Quiver

40. When I heard the terrible news I felt as if I'd lost a friend. For so many of us who knew him only through his television shows he touched our lives and will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Especially to his wife who shared so much with him and know must face life without him at her side to raise their children. God will give you the grace you need to go on. We will keep you in our prayers.

Posted at 3:11PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Evelyn

41. Sorry to hear of such tragic news. May God hold you in His arms to comfort you.

Posted at 3:08PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Robin

42.
When i first heard the news about Steve Irwin's death, i couldnt believe it. I was literally shocked. I always loved his energy and passion for animals. My little nephew was crazy about him. He will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to the Irwin family. We can never forget the "Crocodile Hunter"..he will live on forever in our hearts..

Posted at 3:23PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Hira Khan

43. I know Steve is in heaven and taking care of all of the animals there. It makes me smile to think of all the dogs and cats I have lost playing with Steve-O. I know they are all happy and having fun. I sure miss all of them here.

Posted at 3:38PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Dolores

44. My heart aches for the family members and friends of Steve Irwin. He was a great man with everything that he was doing for his family and the animals on this planet. He gave his whole life for both. I appreciate the fact that his country wanted to honor him with a state funeral but I can respect his family more for keeping his funeral private. Steve Irwin was an awesome man, but I personally believe from all that I watched from him that his wish would not have been to have his final rest to be honored with a state funeral. I completely agree with his family and closest friends with keeping it private. If we truly want to honor him, then lets honor him by pushing forward and helping with the wildlife conservation that he and his family are working so hard for. Honor him that way. Take the time to step outside ourselves and think what he truly would have wanted. To Terry, Bindi and your son, and the rest of the Irwin family and friends my heart and love go out to all of you in your time of loss. I send you tidings of love and strength on the wind to help you through this difficult time.

Posted at 4:23PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Greta

45. Steve, you were a great person. You never stopped trying to protect the animals. I remember, when me and my sister were real little, we were watching your show and there was some snake in the middle of the road and you went over and said, "Get off the road, you big dummy" in your cute Australian accent and we just laughed our heads off. Now, I realize it wasn't funny. You saved his life. God Bless You.

Posted at 4:37PM on Sep 6th 2006 by Mackenzie

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