Steve Irwin lived a life bursting at the seams with his love for nature. Had he died ten years earlier, Irwin's life would still be bigger than many people's. But that's what separates true legends from the rest of us. He didn't live to exist. He lived to follow his passion to the very ends of the Earth. And he took us with him for the greatest adventures we ever had without leaving the comfort and safety of our living rooms.

Sometimes controversial but always compelling, Steve Irwin left behind colleagues, friends, and admirers who remember not how he died...but how he lived his incredible life:

"He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe."
Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks

"A wonderful and colourful son,,,he was a wonderful character, he was a passionate environmentalist, he brought entertainment and excitement to millions of people."
Australian Prime Minister John Howard

"The guy was incredible. His knowledge was incredible. Some people that are doing this stuff are actors and that type of thing, but Steve was truly a zoologist, so to speak, a person who knew what he was doing. Yes, he did things a lot of people wouldn't do. I think he knew what he was doing."
American zoologist Jack Hanna

"He was such a genuine bloke as far as his love for animals...his love for the animals was unbelievable."
Craig Hausen (colleague)

"I don't think we could even estimate how much he brought us through his personality and his profile and his enthusiasm about Queensland."
Tourism Queensland Spokeswoman Louise Yates

"Steve Irwin was what many personalities aspire to be, but few actually are: truly original. He had an amazing ability to deliver a message - the importance of wildlife preservation - while also providing a bloody good show.
David Moot, Chief programming officer, Network Ten

"I was a tremendous fan of Steve Irwin because of his larger-than-life personality and his ability to highlight wildlife conservation in a way that people from all walks of life could identify with."
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile

"A passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet. He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!'"
John Stainton (colleague)

There are hundreds of thousands of messages from Irwin's fans, which we can't fit in here. Let us just add one more from us: This world is a better place today because Steve Irwin made it that way.