Goodbye Croc Hunter

I was in disbelief to hear of the death of Steve Irwin - naturalist, loon, Australian ambassador and all round good guy. When one of my colleagues told me that he was dead I was stunned. She said that she'd tried to get info from ninemsn but the site was down. Not that I understand why anybody wants to get their news from a Channel Nine source. I much prefer Seven who are more "I have no idea what I'm talking about so I'll say it with a smile" than the smug attitude that Nine personnel exude.

Anyway, getting a little bit off track here. For somebody that promoted nature and Australia so well it's a sad indictment that he had to become famous overseas first. Perhaps the Croc Hunter shouldn't have been so specialised - he was killed by the barb of a huge stingray piercing his heart. Should have stuck with hunting crocs. Irwin was only 44 which is too young to die, even if you die doing what you love. I feel for his kids, Bindi and Bob, who are only eight and three I think. I hope that I'm there for my boy.

Australia has lost an icon although I've never been to Australia Zoo or watched his show. I have enjoyed his antics and would never turn away from an interview with him. I guess all Aussies could identify with his larrikin nature. He was a larger than life character and I'm glad that the Prime Minister came out with some nice words. I think Steve Irwin deserved that. It's a shame, but understandable, that his family didn't want to have a State funeral. It would be a fitting farewell.

RIP Steve Irwin.