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I was out and about driving for a change doing some errands on my own and listening to the radio in the car around noon today when the news hit me. I never knew the man, but still his death touches me with stabs of grief. Steve Irwin, a fellow Australian and one of the few public figures that truly was a hero, had been killed while diving off the coast of Far North Queensland.

Countless times we'd joked about the irony if Steve were to be taken by one of his beloved crocs. In a way many Australian's had decided that it would be the best way for Steve to go when his time came. With all the dangerous animals he worked with it was often thought it was just a matter of time before one of them got him. I guess that was true, but part of every Australian probably hoped he'd die in his sleep of old age, after years of offering these life-changing and educational documentaries on wildlife.

He was an incredible conservationist. Truly working for the welfare of all animals. He was a man of strong integrity and an honest belief that nature is a magnificent life force. He loved his family, having a unique rapor with his wife Terri and his two children, Bindi and Bob. He also loved his country, Australia, every rock and river. For these things, even though I never met him, I adored him.

So today is one of sadness. I try to imagine how Terri and the kids are feeling. How all his friends and coworkers are. What their plans are with the footage they'd been shooting. It seems early to be thinking of it but a part of me thinks that they're already planning to put even his death to use in his constant battle for the safety and wellbeing of the animals of this world. I imagine that even having their lives torn like this, by the loss of her husband, their father, that his family will continue to fight for what he'd made his life about.

Steve is going to be very much missed by Australia. He represented a great many of us, the way we think, and how so many of us hold firmly to our ideals and our dreams. He taught the world to respect nature and the animal kingdom. That these creatures had reasons for living the way they did and that while they can be deadly, they're just living creatures, not intending harm without cause.

Even his death, while almost unimaginable is a lesson. One of the seemingly most placid creatures in the ocean, the Stingray had defense mechanisms to protect itself from perceived harm. We know Steve would never have intended to hurt the beast but animal instincts cannot be put aside. Stingray deaths are rare, their stings are painful, and I try to imagine Steve's final moments. What could have been his thoughts as he saw his last vision, a stingray, a beautiful creature of the deep, gliding away from it's 'victim'.

Australia, and perhaps even the world, mourns. We say goodbye to the life of an incredibly brave and giving man. I hope Steve's legacy will live on for generations after his death. Remember the message he spread in his life, the most important things he stood for. My condolences and love go with his family and friends. We love you Steve, you'll not be forgotten.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Laffar-Smith.
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