I cried out in dismay when I heard this on the radio today.
'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin dies... The passion that man brought to wildlife conservation was what drew us to his programs. I grew up with the sedate, distinguished explorers (Jacques Cousteau) who brought the marvels of the animal kingdom quietly into our home. My children were growing up with Steve Irwin - enthralled by his passionate love of the creatures he introduced to us. His attitude was virulently infectious. I have him to thank for the effervescent manner in which my children present to me their moths, toads, caterpillars and garden lizards. Not much variety here in cookie-cutter suburbia. But, thanks to Steve Irwin, every backyard find is a breathtaking cause for hours of observation and remembrance. It's that much fun for me, too.
I am wretchedly sorry that his family lost him so young. We sure appreciated the time we had with him. There wasn't anyone like him.