Final Farewell To The Crocodile Hunter

Poignant Tributes, Touching Message From Irwin's Daughter

(CBS/AP)  Friends and fans, including Hollywood stars and Australia's prime minister, said farewell to "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin on Wednesday at a memorial service that veered from poignant tributes to belly laughs.

Irwin's 8-year-old daughter, Bindi, hailed him as "my hero." His father, Bob, asked people to end their grieving. And fans were invited to laugh at his television antics one more time.

The ceremony was carried live on three national television networks and at least one radio station. Flags on the Sydney Harbor Bridge and throughout Irwin's home state of Queensland flew at half-staff, and giant TV screens were set up for people to watch the service.

Prime Minister John Howard was among the 5,000 people who attended the ceremony at the "Crocoseum," the small stadium in Irwin's wildlife park where he regularly put on crocodile-feeding shows.

"Steve Irwin touched the hearts of Australians and touched the hearts of millions around the world in a very special way," Howard said. "He did that because he had that quality of being genuine, of being authentic, of being unconditional and having a great zest for life."

2In a recorded video message, Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe said: "It was way too soon for all of us. We have lost a friend, a champion. It will take some time to adjust to that."

The teary-eyed actor addressed Irwin personally. "I'm in New York, mate. The big city and you were headline news on CNN for a week," he said. "There's not many zookeepers that would command that sort of attention, mate. And all that means is that you got your message across, you got the word out there, you were heard and you will be remembered."

Irwin, 44, died Sept. 4 when a stingray's barb pierced his chest while he filmed a TV show on the Great Barrier Reef. His family held a private funeral service for him Sept. 9 at the family-owned park, Australia Zoo.

As expected, there was one empty seat at Steve Irwin's personal stadium — symbolically set aside for the late conservationist himself. On the stage sat Irwin's widow, Terri, and their two children, Bindi, and Bob, 2 — all dressed in Irwin's favorite khaki. It was their first public appearance since Irwin's death. Terri did not speak at the public memorial, but could be seen wiping away tears and laughing with son Bob in her lap.

"Please do not grieve for Steve, he's at peace now," Bob Irwin said. "Grieve for the animals. They have lost the best friend they ever had, and so have I."

One of the more moving moments of the ceremony was when Bindi told the crowd at the ceremony that "my daddy was my hero."

"He was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things. But most of all he was fun," she said. After she finished reading her thoughtful speech off of a piece of paper, the crowd stood up and cheered.

Several video clips of Irwin's in-your-face antics drew laughs and applause from the crowd throughout the memorial.