Posted on 09/05/2006 7:55:26 PM PDT by indcons
BEERWAH, Australia "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin's widow thanked the staff of his wildlife park in her first comments on his death, a spokesman said Wednesday, as she considered whether to accept the offer of a state funeral or hold a more private ceremony.
Terri Irwin spoke late Tuesday over the internal public address system at Australia Zoo, the crocodile farm and animal preserve that was the global television personality's home base in southeastern Queensland state, thanking staff for their support, spokesman Michael Hornby said.
"It was very brief. She was very choked up. It was a very frail comment," Hornby told The Associated Press. "But she wanted to say to the staff how grateful she was for their support and how much it meant to her."
Contents of the address weren't made public, and park officials said the family was keeping a low profile while absorbing the shock of Irwin's death on Monday minutes after the barb from a stingray's tail pierced his chest while he snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef.
Terri Irwin was considering a government offer for a state funeral to be held for Irwin, who was beloved by millions as the larger-than-life host of Discovery Channel's "The Crocodile Hunter" television show.
(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...
See related story: Steve Irwin Saved my Life
Ping
I say "Have the state funeral" Its not just his family but the entire nation which is grieving since Steve was the most famous Aussie aside from Nicole Kidman and Joseph Hachem.
I'd say there are more than a few international tears as well.
We should respect her decision, whatever it is. She may simply not be ready to be seen in public at such an emotional public ceremony.
Thanks for the ping.
I think they should have the state funeral as well.
Wonder if they'll give Sir Edmund Hilary a state funeral as well ... he's ancient.
A "world" funeral would be more appropriate - he belonged to all of us.
Well said...I share these sentiments. I spoke to my parents this morning (they live a long ways away) and among the first things they discussed with me was Irwin's tragic death.
Agreed; though I would personally vote for the state funeral (and I suspect so would a bunch of Aussies), it's not our decision to make.
Good call.
He's one of the good guys,
I for one am crying why couldn't it be ParisNickyNicoleTara etc...
In my lifetime, somebody will suggest a state-like funeral for Teddy Kennedy, I say give Steve Irwin one, he deserves it more.
Honestly, I don't think he should have been offered one and quite a few Australians feel the same way. I admire the man's accomplishments, but state funerals have always been meant to be for truly significant individuals - and in recent years, Australian state governments have handed them out way too easily.
It has been offered though, and it would be very churlish indeed to withdraw the offer, so it is in the hands of his wife.
Wonder if they'll give Sir Edmund Hilary a state funeral as well ... he's ancient.
Prayers of comfort up for Terri, children and family..
I'll take your word for it; your perspective on the matter is a heck of a lot more valid than mine.
He is more deserving than most of the people who get offered one - but, really, by tradition, they were meant to be reserved for people like ex-Prime Ministers and Governors-General.
Steve surely was a great guy and will be missed. I think they should have the state funeral because he is such a world figure, or if Terri and family can't bear the public eye just yet, a private family funeral and a public event honoring him. We will understand if she can't attend, or stays out of the limelight. His death was tragic and shocking, all the more so for them. But I have a feeling she with her kids and family and friends must know now just how much the world grieves with them, even if they aren't ready to be among us, his fans. I would be surprised if we didn't see some kind of state event.
Why do you guesss they wouldn't give him a state funeral? Just curious ...
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