I used to watch him all the time at home with my folks before moving off to be on my own. I don't get to see his show now as I don't currently have cable.

When I heard he was killed, it was like a boulder hit me in the chest. The Crocodile Hunter? Dead? This can't be! He can't die! From reading other DA journal and tribute art submissions and several forums, I realize that many people felt the same way. We all thought Steve was immortal. That he drew from a well of luck so deep it must be unfathomable.

However, it ran out too soon for all of us. The human race lost a great man. A man who loved all of God's creatures from the smallest of the small to the biggest of them all. He loved what he did. I mean really really loved it. No one can fake that type of excitement that he had for every type of animal he held or was around. His exuberance was contagious. You couldn't help but share his energy whether he was petting a baby tiger or wrestling the largest croc you'd ever seen. He shared his vast knowledge of the wondrous creatures on this planet like no other. He was no class room teacher. He was a literal hands on, roll up your sleaves, and get dirty type of teacher. He loved every single minute of it.

He was a loving husband. Who else would take his wife croc catching for her honeymoon? One Steve Irwin, that's who. He and his wife made an unbeatable team and you could tell that she loved him just as much as he loved her.

He was a devoted father. His two children were beautiful and from the family pics and how he spoke of them, you could tell he was proud of them both. His little girl even hosted a animal show for children that he would film creatures for. He happily did this for her and gave her the show.

Sadly, this would be his undoing. But I don't think he would have any regrets other than not being able to say goodbye. He died doing what he loved. How many of us will be able to truthfully say that when our time comes? I hope I can.

I don't think there will be another quite like him. Steve Irwin was definitely 1 in 6 billion. He was a part of so many lives. How many people die and it can be said that there were millions upon millions of people across the planet grieving for them? Not many. But I dare say that the Crocodile Hunter is one of them.

What I wouldn't give to hear him say "Crikey!" one more time....

Thank you, Steve. For everything. You will be missed by more people than you or any of us will ever realize.