MERGED-->In memory of Steve Irwin + Int'l Khaki Day Sep. 8

[U2democrat]

I wore my khakis yesterday too


I may have to order stuff from the Australia Zoo website too...but I'm sure they're overwhelmed right now.

 

[clarityat3am]

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- A private funeral for "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was held on Saturday and plans were for his body to be buried at the family-owned Australia Zoo, several Sunday newspapers said.

Irwin, killed in a stingray attack on the Great Barrier Reef on Sept. 4, had a private service at a funeral home in nearby Caloundra, the Brisbane-based Sunday Mail said.

It also said that the local council had given the family permission to bury Irwin, 44, at the 25-hectare (60-acre) zoo that has been owned by the Irwin family since 1970.

"Yesterday's service was a service for family and good friends, people who were close to Steve in recent years," the newspaper quoted an unidentified family friend as saying.

"The council gave the family permission to bury Steve at the zoo and we think they're going to erect a monument there so visitors can continue to pay their respects."

Sydney's Sun-Herald newspaper said Irwin's father, Bob, planned to hold a press conference on Monday at the zoo to give details of the funeral.

Calls to John Stainton, Irwin's longtime manager, and Michael Hornby, head of the Irwin charity group Wildlife Warriors, were not immediately returned.

On Saturday, Stainton told CNN's Larry King that the private service would be held soon.

"We are having a private family service in the next two or three days, by Monday" at the latest, Stainton told King. "Then we'll start planning the memorial service which will be open to members of the public."

Stainton also said Irwin's wife, American-born Terri, and his children were coping "quite well" with the death.

"Terri is very, very strong. She's having a lot of sad moments obviously, but she's putting on a brave face for the kids' sake," he said.

The Irwins have two children, Bindi, 8, and Bob, 2.

One venue mentioned for the public memorial service, expected to be held in the next 10 days, is a 52,000-seat sports stadium in Brisbane, the nearby capital of Queensland state.

Irwin could have had a formal state funeral offered by Prime Minister John Howard. Instead, Bob Irwin said his son would have preferred a smaller, private funeral.

 

[clarityat3am]

Surf tribute to Crocodile Hunter

11.09.2006
by AMY REMEIKIS

STEVE Irwin was farewelled by close to 300 surfers yesterday, as they joined hands and formed a giant floating circle in tribute to a fellow wave rider and mate.

The ocean was calm and the weather clear as close friends and complete strangers of all ages paddled out off Alexandra Headland just before 9am.

Some were grasping flowers, others were lending support to the Australia Zoo staff who formed a second group in the middle of the giant circle – all thinking of the man who had touched their lives.

Hundreds more lined the beach, standing in silence to pay respect to a local hero.



It was a fitting tribute to a man who could be found at his favourite beach break every chance he got – who loved surfing and the ocean as much as he loved the creatures in it.While some of his fans used the flotilla to say goodbye, it’s believed Steve’s family laid their husband, dad and son to rest in a private ceremony some time over the weekend.

Unconfirmed media reports speculated that Steve was buried on the grounds of his zoo yesterday but his manager John Stainton would not comment, saying only that “it was a matter for the family and I’m not family so I can’t say anything”.

“We just sort of had a quiet weekend to try and get our thoughts back together and have some time,” he said.

But he told the Daily he believed Steve’s father Bob would hold a press conference today

It is believed that is when the family will also release details on the public memorial service which is being planned.

Across the Coast, Steve’s friends and fans said their own goodbyes yesterday, with many who took part in the flotilla saying it was time to “stop grieving and start celebrating his life and what he stood for”.

“It was quite uplifting if anything, more of a celebration of him, than a loss,” said Noel Woods.

“I think the whole Coast has grieved as one this week. We’ve all reflected on his trials and tribulations but now it’s time to celebrate who he was and what he stood for. In my mind he will be forever young”.

Buderim’s Jenny Nemeth said the Crocodile Hunter’s death had brought a community together.

“People who didn’t even know each other joined together to hold hands and think of Steve,” she said.

Flowers thrown into the ocean washed onto the shore, where a handful of Australia Zoo staff in uniform stood by to support their colleagues who helped form the floating tribute.

Tears freely fell when two Australia Zoo courtesy buses filled with tourists, passed the area with their horns blowing, sparking a spontaneous cheer from the hundreds of people who lined the beach.

Australia Zoo marketing manager Peter Lang who was part of the flotilla, said his staff and friends could “feel Steve was out there” while forming the circle.

“Someone out there said we should be looking out for sharks and someone else said there would be no sharks out there today. Steve was there, we could feel him.”

Players and spectators at yesterday’s local rugby league grand final observed a minute’s silence, with players in Steve’s old team, the Caloundra Sharks, and opponents Noosa donning black arm bands.

Old school and surfing mates of Steve’s also headed to Kings Beach Tavern to toast their friend farewell.

“He was my hero and he taught me that crocs rule,” said a four-year-old called Stevie at the flotilla ceremony.

“I’m very sad because my mummy said he’s in heaven, but he was always happy, so I’m going to try to be happy too.

 

[BrownEyedBoy]

"It comes as no shock at all that Steve Irwin should die provoking a dangerous animal. He made a career out of antagonizing frightened wild animals, which is a very dangerous message to send to kids. If you compare him with a responsible conservationist like Jacques Cousteau, he looks like a cheap reality TV star." - Dan Matthews, Campaign Director for PETA, on Steve Irwin's untimely death.

Can you believe this idiot? Real classy to say things like this of someone who died. Just disgusting.

 

[fly so high!]

Can you believe this idiot? Real classy to say things like this of someone who died. Just disgusting.

I know BrownEyedBoy.....it is BS.

Why this guy is even more stupid than what appears.......Steve Irwin was with Jacque Costeau's grandson when he died,they were friends and colleagues.

You know how to handle these types of people......your Ann Coulter's & Germaine Greer's and this tosser!.....as much as they have a right to freedom of speech...we have the right to freedom of hearing.....and i choose not to hear them....so i don't buy their books, i don't watch their programs or interveiws and best of all i don't talk about them!