I tried to think quite a few times today about something witty or memorable to say about Steve Irwin what with it being the anniversary of his death but just came up empty. The only feeling I got was that same pit in my stomach as when I got the phone call late that night in 2006.
You see, in many ways Steve was my hero, sure I was into reptiles before I knew who he was but he really put the passion in it for me. If not for him and his crazy antics on TV I would have never pursued the hobby as I did. DRN would have never been a thing, at least not by myself.
In the days after his death I often hoped……. no expected someone to take his place, to fill that gap that we had lost. I know deep down that no way anyone could take his place but I dreamed at least someone would pick up the pieces, at least continue the message in the mainstream fashion as he did so very well.
Truth be told I am still a little disappoint that 8 long years later we still have a HUGE gap in our hobby, in our community that I fear will never be filled.
Some of you out there did not agree with the stuff he did or the way he did it but there is absolutely no doubt he put wildlife on our minds in his own little way and touched a part of millions of people today. Some such as myself who will never forget what he taught. I still to this day hope that some day someone will being the “Crikey” and the “Look at that Sheila” back to my TV and or computer screen. Until then, this beer’s for you Steve.