Posted on 09/04/2006 5:41:12 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
FANS and the famous from around the world paid tribute to Steve Irwin yesterday.
Thousands of everyday fans flooded websites around the world, including the Herald Sun's. One of the most touching messages was from the RSPCA. "He was a modern-day Noah and should be acknowledged as such," said the Queensland RSPCA's chief executive, Mark Townend.
Prime Minister John Howard echoed many thoughts when he said: "I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death.
"It's a huge loss to Australia. He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist.
"He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people. He was a one-off character."
Mr Howard said Irwin was the same in private as in public: "He was the genuine article. What you saw was what you got. He was a larrikin, yes, but he was a really warm-hearted bloke as well and he cared passionately about Australia and he cared passionately about the Australian environment.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
I can't imagine how the world is going to fill the vast void left by Steve's too soon departure. Rest well Steve.
Crimey!
I too enjoyed his escapades.....
Except that one with his baby....I'm sure his wife kicked his butt behind closed doors.....
He will be missed......
Watching Animal Planet right now doing all the background shows. We were lucky to have him while we did. I'll just be thankful for that.
This will hurt for a long time.
The Lord called one of the good ones home. RIP.
Ya, I'm watching it right now as well. I don't know about you but it's making me even more sad.
I was never a big fan, but from what I saw he seemed like a good guy. His death is a terrible thing.
Now I have to look up "larrikin".
He could have lived to be 80 working in a cubicle at the phone company, but how much smaller the world would have been for us all!
Godspeed Steve, you had 100 years of fun and let us share it.
Hell, I cried when Sui got hit by the wild pig...This is torture, but my father taught me to "own" my pain and never wait to deal with it.
Larrikinism is the name given to the Australian folk tradition of irreverence, mockery of authority and disregard for rigid norms of propriety. Larrikinism can also be associated with self-deprecating humour.
I only wish that I enjoyed my job as much as he enjoyed his. My daughter was almost raised on Animal Planet. Her interest in reptiles of all kinds, I think, was a result of watching Steve and Terri. My wife may never forgive them for that.
This is so terribly sad. Steve was an inspiration to all animal lovers. A terrible loss, to be sure.
Archangel Michael: See this, Mate. Look at this Satan critter I've here.
Steve: Crikey! No-go on that one!
Archangel Michael: Right, BBQ time.
Yeah, someone (the OP maybe?) is really going to have to explain what "larrikin" is, because I saw it used on numerous Aussie news sites today.
Anyways, it's a real shame because I've always found him to be one the most entertaining wildlife people. Kind of hard to imagine TV without him.
It does seem very unfair - he was so full of life! My condolences to your country. Look how much he was loved by FReepers - reading the threads should be very heartening for his Aussie "family" of fellow countrymen:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695100/posts
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead
News.com.au ^ | September 4, 2006
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695105/posts
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin dead - Locked Thread
Courier Mail ^ | September 04, 2006
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695133/posts
The Crocodile Hunter
Herald Sun ^ | 4 September 2006 | Matthew Schulz
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695139/posts
Flowers laid in honour of Irwin
news.com.au ^ | 4 September 2006
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695142/posts
Irwin brought joy to millions: PM (John Howard)
news.com.au ^ | 4 September 2006
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695144/posts
Passive stingrays can be deadly
news.com.au ^ | September 04, 2006 05:04pm | Danny Rose and Jane Williams
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695160/posts
Steve Irwin, Croc hunter, dead, killed by stingray
AP Wire ^ | September 4, 2006
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695171/posts
Crocodile Hunter; Steve Irwin killed by stingray
MSNBC ^ | September 4, 2006 | Associated Press
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695174/posts
Witnesses tell of freak death of Steve Irwin
News.com.AU via Drudge ^ | September 4, 2006 | By staff writers and wires
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695216/posts
Crocodile Hunter Irwin: Passionate Showman in the Wild (AP Obit)
Associated Press ^ | Sept 4, 2006 | Marc Lavine
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695281/posts
Croc Hunter's stingray death caught on film
news.com.au ^ | Sept 4, 2006 | Ian Gerard and Tony Koch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695308/posts
Crocodile hunter was victim of 'voyeuristic wildlife TV'
This is London ^ | 09-04-06 | Staff
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1695411/posts
Steve Irwin's freak death filmed
TheAustralian.com ^ | 9/5/06 | Ian Gerard and Tony Koch
Yep, it's hard to understand... I can't better Prime Minister John Howard's words other than to say, it's a great loss to all of us, his enthusiasm and courage was infectious. You did real good Steve, may you rest in peace.
"It's a huge loss to Australia. He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist.
"He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people. He was a one-off character."
He was my favorite.
I loved him with snakes.
I was watching about a month ago, and he was bitten/stung by something (I tuned in late). He wrapped his hand, he climbed aboard a helicopter, and off they went.....apparently on adventure.
I wondered at the time if he had lost to aging that nano-second of speed & reflex that had always protected him in the past.
And now this. Wish I would have written.
I like the idea of "larrikin" being a Strine rendition of Irish "larking" - someone making fun, pranking, being rebellious but in a good way.
I liked him and he was a great entertainer.
I'll miss the new shows he would have filmed.
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