Beerwah, Australia – “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was remembered today for his “great zest for life” at a public memorial service for the beloved conservationist and entertainer.
“We have lost a friend, a champion,” actor Russell Crowe said in a recorded tribute. “It will take some time to adjust to that.”
Prime Minister John Howard, among the 5,000 in attendance at the Australia Zoo for the ceremony, remembered Irwin for his love of Australia.
“Steve Irwin touched the hearts of Australians and touched the hearts of millions around the world in a very special way,” said Howard. “He did that because he had that quality of being genuine, of being authentic, of being unconditional and having a great zest for life.”
Irwin, 44, died Sept. 4 when the barb from a stingray pierced his chest while he was filming for a TV show on the Great Barrier Reef. His family held a private funeral service on Sept. 9 at Australia Zoo.
On the stage sat Irwin’s widow, American-born Terri, and their two children, Bindi, 8, and Bob, 2 – all dressed in Irwin’s favored khaki outfit. It was their first public appearance since Irwin’s death.
Bindi Irwin told the crowd at the ceremony that she had the “best daddy in the world. I will miss him every day.”
