In a moving tribute, Steve Irwin's eight-year old daughter, Bindi, was met with applause when she spoke at her father's funeral. From The Sydney Morning Herald:
Smiling and reading her own tribute from a sheet of paper in front of an image of her dad, she said: "My daddy was my hero - he was always there for me when I needed him." She traced the words on the paper with a finger. "He listened to me and taught me so many things but most of all he was fun. I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did." She said her father built a hospital and bought land to give animals a safe place to live and she wanted to continue his legacy. "I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end," she said. "I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did." Bindi said she would miss her father. "I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day," she said. "When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. "Daddy made this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help Daddy."I know you think you saw me tearing up just now, but it's allergies. So shut up and give me some tissue. And a hug.
Written by Lisa Timmons
KittyLiterati
This blog is supposed to be full of snark, bitchiness, and irreverence. Heartwarmth and inspiration are NOT compatible with those qualities.
Now I feel like the Grinch after his heart swells three sizes too big. Luckily, mine will be shriveled again by rush hour.
deeelite
OK, OK, so I have to make the less-than-nice comment. I feel sorry that he died and that he left behind a family that loved him. However, I always thought that he terrorized the animals that he handled. Crocs, turtles, snakes etc do NOT like to be handled and dragged. Showing animals in the wild and explaining their lives, fine. Pulling them by the tail for NO reason besides entertainment, just stupid. Remember how he dangled his son in front of a croc? He was no Jacques Cousteau, I'm telling you...
miss_marple
That's one strong 8 year old.
CareKate
Perhaps it was a blessing that Bindi lost her father before the inevitable moment in her life when he would let her down...oh wait, no, that was MY father. But at least her final memories of him are positive!
RDIGGITY
Croc Hunter always struck me as batshit crazy in an entertaining way, like homeless people that run out in traffic while shouting at the devil. Apparently he was deprived of being a great family man.
jana ramos says:
that is so sweet of his little daughter to say that