Remembering Steve - one year on

Terri Irwin and children, Bindi, 9, and Bob, 3 “To mark the one-year anniversary, I would like the opportunity to thank everyone, the many thousands who sent messages of love and support — we greatly appreciate it. I can still feel Steve’s presence in the zoo and our home … he will walk with me, and most certainly our children, forever. We will be celebrating Steve’s life and achievements on a special ‘Steve Irwin’ day, on November 15. He left behind an extraordinary legacy.”

Prime Minister John Howard “He is sadly missed. He really was the genuine article, he was the same in private as in public. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed life. He brought immense joy to millions of people, especially to children. On September 4 last year, Australia lost a wonderful and colourful son.”

John Williamson, singer/songwriter and friend “Steve was an even nicer bloke off camera, if that’s possible. With all his fame, he remained a humble young fella astounded by his popularity. His heart was well and truly soaked in wildlife, and his love for the natural earth seemed to empower him. His greatest gift, to my mind, was his way of getting an environmental message across to millions in an entertaining way. This was more important to him than his fame. If he’s only remembered as the Crocodile Hunter, his wonderful gift will be wasted.”

Peter Beattie, Queensland Premier “It’s hard to believe it’s a year since Steve’s tragic death. He was an extraordinary ambassador for Queensland, and his passion for wildlife conservation and contribution to research deserve our respect. At this difficult time for the Irwins we will take a moment to remember Steve’s good work, and acknowledge the bravery and commitment of Terri and the Irwin family as they work to continue his legacy. He was an original and he is much missed, not just in Australia but across the world.”

Wes Mannion, Director Australia Zoo “Steve would be so very, very proud that many of his dreams have been brought to life, with the zoo growing at a rapid pace, with record crowds and awesome developments, most notably the completion of Elephantasia — the country’s largest Asian Elephant facility. He was a remarkable man whose enthusiastic personality, passion for life and conservation shone through many amazing projects. He is still in the hearts of us all.”

Rupert McCall, poet “I think a selected verse of the poem I dedicated to Steve following his death, The Crocodiles Are Crying, best reflects how I feel:

“A world so large and loyal that it’s hard to comprehend.

I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end.

To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration.

May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation.”

Tony Frisby, lifelong mate and best man at Steve’s wedding in Oregon, USA, in 1992 “Steve is never far from my mind and I doubt that will ever change. He epitomised everything that you wanted in a mate …loyal, trustworthy and respectful. We can all learn from his passion and compassion. He had a heart of gold and didn’t waste a minute of his life. My heart goes out to his family, who he loved more than anything in this world.”

Don Aldous, Caloundra City Mayor “He was one of a kind — a great man who would always be remembered for his passion for life and his enormous contribution to wildlife education and preservation. Steve was passionate about life. He was passionate about his zoo and the environment. He put Berrwah, Caloundra City and the Sunshine coast on the world map. As an environmentalist, a role model, a businessman and philanthropist, Steve made an enormous contribution, not only to his community but to the world he lived in. He will not be forgotten.”