The world became a little darker the day Steve Irwin passed away. We are forever saddened that this bright soul has passed on from this earth but we were all blessed that he lived. Steve’s dad, Bob Irwin, recently shared a letter that his beloved son had written to Bob and his wife Lyn when Steve was 32. He published the letter in his new book, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy. The letter was found by Bob earlier in the year when it fell out of a book by chance—10 years after his death.
The heartfelt and emotional message reads: “Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a ‘Bloke’s Life’ is that it takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS,” the wildlife expert’s letter, written 12 years before his death, reads. “At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength! For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we’ve shared and will continue to share. You’re my best friends!”
The “Crocodile Hunter,”as Steve was known, died in 2006 after a stingray pierced his chest in a freak accident while filming the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest. “Crikey!” became a household word as we watched and learned from the amazing adventures he took us on each week on Animal Planet. The conservationist and wildlife extraordinaire left behind a legacy of love for wildlife that has crossed generations over. What a precious gift for his family to find this emotional letter. He has forever changed the face of wildlife conservation and will always be deeply missed.
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