| Steve Irwin's sudden death this week has left his | | | | situation where he shared the bulk of his time |
| fans and admirers in a state of shock. News and | | | | with them. That's a great accomplishment if you |
| tributes have been pouring in from around the | | | | can pull it off. |
| world since the news was announced. | | | | Finally, Steve made it by being himself. He did not |
| Steve's life and accomplishments were truly | | | | 'dress for success', modify his broad working-class |
| extraordinary, and can serve as a source of | | | | Australian accent, or tone down his over-the-top |
| inspiration for anyone who values making a | | | | personality. One of the reasons many Americans |
| meaningful contribution. | | | | said they admired him was because he was so |
| For a start, Steve Irwin did what he truly loved. | | | | down to earth and genuine. |
| He didn't choose his career for the opportunity to | | | | Australians sometimes complained that Steve |
| make lots of cash, because 'there was a good | | | | Irwin projected a negative image of the country |
| market out there', or for any of the other | | | | because of his lack of sophistication and unbridled |
| reasons many marketing and success gurus talk | | | | enthusiasm. His use of the 1950's slang term |
| about. He loved Nature and wildlife with a passion | | | | "crikey" made us cringe. Others criticised his |
| that came through in everything he said or did. | | | | 'sensationalist' approach to his subject. But the |
| The fact that there was a huge audience for his | | | | response to his death has demonstrated the |
| projects, resulting in mega-bucks and international | | | | overwhelmingly high regard in which he was held. |
| fame, was a bonus. He used a portion of that | | | | Steve Irwin's legacy is the increased awareness |
| money to purchase habitats for endangered | | | | he has promoted worldwide of the importance of |
| wildlife. | | | | protecting wildlife. He was a true conservationist, |
| Another amazing thing about Steve's life was that | | | | and many people have written to him over the |
| he didn't separate family and career. His wife Terri | | | | years to let him know that they've became |
| shared his passion for wildlife and conservation, | | | | active conservationists themselves, or entered |
| and their children, Bindi Sue and Robert, quickly | | | | the field on a professional level, as a direct result |
| became an integral part of their projects. Steve | | | | of his influence. |
| often spoke about how family was the most | | | | What a wonderful legacy. |
| important thing in his life, and he created a | | | | |