posted
Earlier this afternoon Australia lost one of our favourite sons. Steve Irwin from Australia Zoo lost his life while making a documentary off Port Douglas off Cairns in North Queensland. apparently a giant stingray hit him across the chest with its tail and would have poisoned him as well. It is a very sad day for my area, Queensland, Australia and the world. He has a very good animal surgery at the zoo where I took one of my pet kookaburras last year. He puts all his money into the Australian environment. He was a good person, and this is tragic.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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WOW! this is just crazy! My wife just rang me to let me know as we are heading up there in a couple weeks. sad sad sad, he was fantastic for conservation and ALL animals world wide and especially promoting Australia etc. Australia just lost a great aussie ambassidor.
We will still visit Australia zoo.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Rod
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com Posts: 635 | From: Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Queensland | Registered: Dec 1998
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Kinda sad, and I thought a croc would have got him by now. Sad too, he leaves a wife and young daughter. A:(
And a 3 year old son, Bob. Bindi will be old enough to feel the pain badly.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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I had the pleasure of going to Australia Zoo and meeting Terri Irwin while in Oz the last time. Steve was a crazy man, but a good kinda crazy and will be missed not only in Australia, but the world over. He did a lot for charity and education in his short life. My feelings go out to Terri and the kids. Sad day in Oz.
-------------------- R.T.Thomas,AirDesigns/Sign And Airbrush Studio rtart1@earthlink.net
Hattiesburg,MS 39401 Shop 601-584-1000 Cell 601-310-5901 Proud supporter of LETTERVILLE!
"Ahhhhhh.......Juicy Fruit." Posts: 547 | From: Hattiesburg,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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That is terrible news. I enjoyed watching his shows and appreciated his concern for the animals he worked with. I guess he liked to live larger than life, but it's still a tragedy.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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just heard terri is trecking in tasmania and is out of range to be contacted. This internet thing is wierd huh, people on the other side of the world are hearing about it before his wife. Very sad.
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com Posts: 635 | From: Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Queensland | Registered: Dec 1998
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Adrienne, don't you remember the story a few years back when Steve swung the baby in front of the croc and the world media jumped on him over it. He was also a very good friend of Jay Leno.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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Oh yeah, but I guess I thought that was Bindi...oh man, and Terri doesn't know yet, poor thing, she seemed to be so in love with him. sad sad sad
posted
David, I just saw that on the news as I turned it on really late. SO, so sad! You've told me all about him and about the work at the zoo. I remember that his facility saved your kookaburras. Steve was a real life hero; he helped those who didn't have a voice and saved many, many innocent animals, wildlife. He did act a bit crazy, but, he connected with the world and kept their attention to bring the necessary help to his cause: for our future generations. I truly respected him and was ever so looking forward to visiting his place sometime in the near future. (His poor wife, not knowing). Well, may his work and life go on through her and the children.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Gotta have been some sort of freak accident! The odds being like winning lotto two weeks in a row.
His joy for nature and life was an inspiration to many and he will be sadly missed. I'm sure that his wife will continue the good work and their zoo will remain a major attraction.
posted
Several years ago I awoke from surgery and while heavily medicated in the hospital I saw this crazy guy getting excited about giant spiders and croc's and I couldn't tell if it was real or my doped up dilusions. As the days ensued and the meds departed, the humor of this guys entheusiasm grew. We don't have TV at home, but I miss his zeal for living creatures.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6736 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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That is so very sad. Poor Steve. He was so much fun to watch. I feel for his wife & his little kids, that must be just terrible for them. Yes, they seemed so much in love too.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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I loved to watch Steve on tv doing his thing. The media jumped all over him when he did the thing with his baby, but steve knew he was in control. I never saw him torment animals WR, only cavort and play with them and teach us what they are and what they do. This is one fella who will sadly be missed by his countrymen and the world. God bless him and his family.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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That's a shame. He did a lot to open our eyes to animals, ones that aren't seen in this part of the world. Australia has truly lost an Icon. Sorry to hear.
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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Often times in Leterville we express sympathy for an ailing family member or someone from the media, (actors, actresses, etc), whom we admire.
I think in a thread where people are expressing their condolences for the death of someone they enjoyed watching, it is inappropriate for anybody to inject negative thoughts.
I think we were all amazed by the skill and care Irwin took with dangerous animals. Possibly even thinking he was nuts at times. Nobody worked harder to bring these creatures into our living rooms up close and personal in their natural environment, which he worked hard to protect.
He will be missed by adults and children alike. The news said that ten years ago, there were only 2 "Croc Hunters" Now, there are 29. But, there is still only one Steve Irwin.
WR, maybe you can start your own "bash Steve Irwin" thread.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3490 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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That is really sad. I enjoyed Steve for years as the Crocodile Hunter. Even his commercials were great. He truly was a great ambasador for down under. He definately leaves a big hole in the world.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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I saw part of that on the news last night. I remember seeing him on tv do some pretty dangerous things. Sorry to hear about...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Heck, I had a goofy phase where I went around the house exclaiming "C'Rikey-this and C'Rikey-that....because I thought that was the funniest thing I'd heard.
Gotta admire that guy; his passion, his energy, and his ability to educate while entertaining.
I was bummed to hear he had died.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Yes, Steve did some dangerous things, flirting with disaster. I always wondered why he took so many chances, but, then on the other hand, he did accomplish keeping the world's attention as he wanted in his own way to show the world that these dangerous creatures are mostly "dangerous" while defending themselves and/or looking for food. Let's look at the positives, and remember, our ecosystems depend on many living creatures, legged or not. He did a great service to mankind, no matter what. Bless his family and his endeavors.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3490 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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...but he would have loved to do some more of it.
I've been bummed all day after hearing the news. The world needs more of his type, who have such a passion and respect for creation. He was lots of fun.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5099 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I just hope the media leaves his family alone...the last thing any of us or them need is closeups of teary mothers & children, followed by the awkward stupid "how do you feel..." & "what are you going to do now..." questions that reporters seem to inflict.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I too, am saddened by this tragedy, his life to date was to enlighten the public on matters dealing w/dangerous animals...by his hands alone, he raised the awareness levels worldwide, resulting in more concern towards these species, than ever before...he took risks to protect his beloved animals, he truly cared, his work was straight from the heart, a sad day indeed...
Sadly Ian, it won't happen, it's "big" news, he was larger than life and his death brings front page, no matter the content....and that's sad too...not exactly a sterling example of society...
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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"crikey" that just sucks! it was wonderful to see his passion for nature over-flowing at the zoo and in the wild...he will be sorely missed by millions
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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I always admired Steve Irwin because he seemed genuine. In todays world, most reality shows, about animals or not, have staged acts. I always felt like Steve was truly interacting with the animals, and that he was a true professional and not just an actor.
It is also sad that he was killed by such a freak accident. After being bit by snakes and all kinds of wild animals, he dies from a sting-ray barb. As much as he was outdoors, his chances of getting hit by lightning were probably quite a bit higher than the odds of being killed by a sting-ray.
As far as taking chances, there are lots of occupations that are dangerous. He was conscious of safety and very professional in what he did. Again, it was more likely for him to have been killed in a car wreck going to film the show than by a sting-ray. And if he'd been killed in a carwreck the idiots of the world wouldn't be saying.. "HE WAS GONNA GET IT SOONER OR LATER"
I'm sad for him and his family.
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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How very sad. . .Steve Irwin was the Real Deal & will be truly missed in our household & countless others around the world. . . . Rest in Peace, Steve. . . .
-------------------- Carl Wood Olive Branch, Ms Posts: 1392 | From: Olive Branch,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1999
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Steve created an empire of animal enthusiasts around the globe... He will be greatly missed.
-------------------- Kelsey Dum Dum Designs Sherwood, AR 72120 501.765.2166 kelsey@dumdesigns.com Posts: 827 | From: Sherwood, AR | Registered: Oct 2005
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It's a terrible thing, no matter how it happened. He was a really terrific ambassador for Australia, and true animal advocate to the bone. It'll be different now, looking at his programs in syndication, knowing he's gone.
Hey all your Australian guys!!! There used to be another animal guy from down there who was before Steve. His name was Harry Butler, and he had a program on TV for quite awhile, called In The Wild With Harry Butler, on the Discovery Channel. Then it was gone. He was a character, but had the same charisma with animals as Steve. Anyone know what became of him?
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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It's pretty sad. And I think anybody who watched him figured one day his number would be up. Just so freaky that it came from such a normally docile animal. Steve was good, and alittle bit on the crazy side, which sold him and the show. I like Rob Bredle the best amongst these guys as he seems to show more respect towards these kinds of dangerous creatures without the crazy antics. I think he's called "the barefoot bushman".
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
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