Posted on 09/18/2006 9:04:53 PM PDT by jdm
A spare seat will be left beside Steve Irwin's widow and children as a special way to remember the Crocodile Hunter during his memorial service.
An estimated 5,000 people are expected to attend Wednesday's service at Australia Zoo, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, while millions are expected to watch the telecast live around the world.
Guests at the zoo's Crocoseum will include Prime Minister John Howard and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.
Mr Irwin's manager and long time friend John Stainton would not reveal many details about the service, but said a spare seat would be left for Mr Irwin beside his wife Terri and their children Bindi, 8, and Bob, 2.
"There will be one seat alongside of the family for Steve because he loved the Crocoseum, he built it," Mr Stainton said.
"And his Australia Zoo cap that he always wore watching all the shows with his daughter will be on the seat."
Mr Stainton said it was still uncertain whether Mrs Irwin, Bindi or Mr Irwin's father Bob would speak at the Memorial.
"There's no pressure," he said.
"Everyone has said they could do something, but I think on the day when it sort of starts and rolls out the family may have a problem with it because there are emotions there that they haven't seen for a while."
Mr Stainton said there would be a visual tribute to Mr Irwin, with footage of his exploits shown throughout the service.
"It is sad and I think anybody that sees it is going to find it (hard).
"I've tried to lift it and have highlights and funny moments in it, but it's really sad when you see him."
Mr Irwin died after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb on September 4, while diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
His family and friends held a private funeral service at Australia Zoo on September 9.
A call centre will also be set up on Wednesday to enable supporters to donate to Steve Irwin's conservation charity Wildlife Warriors.
Wildlife Warriors executive manager Michael Hornby said since the Crocodile Hunter's death more than 35,000 people around the world have offered to support the conservation group.
But thousands of people have found it difficulty to get through to the charity due to the high demand.
"It has always been Steve's dream to engage more people in the protection and conservation of wildlife, it is now becoming a reality, but sadly he will never see that," Mr Hornby said.
"We wanted now to provide an easier way for people who are moved by his memorial to become involved and be a Wildlife Warrior like Steve."
The Wildlife Warrior call centre will operate from 6am (AEST) on Wednesday and also on Thursday. The phone number is 1800 33 43 50.
Maybe Irwin needed protection from wildlife rather than
him protecting wildlife , and just what was the wildlife being protected from suicide hunters, over zealous cub scouts or vicious industrialists wishing to turn Australia into a giant factory?
Why don't you go post about something you have knowledge about?
You oviously have no clue what this man contributed to the world.
STFU, Newbie.
I am so incredibly sad that he died. I watched his show on and off for years and years. There were a couple things he did that I did not agree with... but then we all make bad choices in life.
One of his friends said that Steve lived four lifetimes in one life. Boy, isn't that the truth.
God bless you Steve and rest in peace!
Ignore the sad, little troll.
I know, I'm just a little touchy about Steve Irwin. He was a treasure.
Hey there spinach pedro. I doubt that you'll be missed.
BTW, be sure and eat your spinach....... pedro. Bye.
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Australia ping.
Yep. E. Coli alright. That's what happens when someone has the brain of a bacterium.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20430930-1248,00.html?from=public_rss
Terri may be too upset to speak: Stainton
September 18, 2006 11:23am
Article from: AAPFont size: + -
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STEVE Irwin's widow, Terri, may be too upset to speak at the memorial service for the Crocodile Hunter, his manager said today.
Mrs Irwin, the couple's eight-year-old daughter Bindi and Steve's father, Bob, are due to address the service at the family's Australia Zoo, north of Brisbane, on Wednesday.
But Mr Irwin's manager, John Stainton, said while Mrs Irwin will attend, she may not play an active role in the public tribute, to be held from 9am (AEST) in the zoo's Crocoseum.
Mr Stainton said a final decision on Mrs Irwin and Bindi's role would not be made until just before the event.
"It's up to the day and how they are feeling because this is entirely their decision," he told the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper.
"I don't think Terri will be up to it, but that is just my opinion, and we're hoping that Bindi might say a few words."
Mr Irwin, 44, died on September 4 when a stingray's barb pierced his chest while he was diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Millions are expected to watch the hour-long memorial service live on television, while 5500 people will see it in person at the Crocoseum.
Among the VIP guests will be Prime Minister John Howard and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.
There are expected to be video tributes from celebrities, including Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe.
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Your screen name fits. Now I can ignore you.
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