Public farewell planned for 'Crocodile Hunter'

Steve Irwin

SYDNEY - A public farewell for Steve Irwin is likely to be held in a football stadium to accommodate his many fans, friends said after a private funeral for the "Crocodile Hunter" of stories told around a campfire.

Irwin, 44, was killed last week by a stingray barb to the chest while diving on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. His family and friends gave few details about the private funeral held at his Australia Zoo in Queensland state at the weekend.

His father, Bob Irwin, said they had gathered around a campfire at the zoo and told "yarns," or stories, about Irwin because "he loved having a yarn."

"Because Steve loved the bush so much and yarning around the campfire, the service was held just like he would have wanted, with everyone telling their favorite stories about him," Bob Irwin told reporters.

"It was like he would have wanted and it now puts some family closure to his life," he said.

The death of a man whose "Crocodile Hunter" documentaries were seen by 200 million people around the world sparked an extraordinary outpouring of grief and condolences.

Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion, said the zoo's website (www.crocodilehunter.com.au) had been swamped by 10 million hits since the death of his "best mate."

"He was like a big brother, he was my hero," Mannion said.

He and Irwin's manager John Stainton said few details about the public service had been settled but both wanted it to be a celebration of his life rather than a somber farewell.

"Steve would not have wanted us to have everyone around crying and saying how sad it was," Stainton said. "We want everyone to come along and enjoy what his life was about."

Irwin's US-born wife, Terri, and their two young children have not been seen publicly since his death but Stainton said they would likely attend the public service, which would likely be held on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Negotiations were underway with police and state officials about a suitable place but a football stadium in the Queensland capital Brisbane was the most likely venue.

- REUTERS