Culture

Steve Irwin's Father Reveals Heartwarming Note the 'Crocodile Hunter' Penned

Steve Irwin poses with an elephant at Australia Zoo in this Sept. 16, 2006 file photo in Beerwah, Australia.
Australia Zoo via Getty Images

September 02, 2016, 2:55 PM

 -- Bob Irwin, the late Steve Irwin's father, recently revealed that his son penned a touching note to him and his wife Judy.

The "Crocodile Hunter" was 44 when a massive stingray killed him while he was shooting a documentary called "Ocean's Deadliest" in 2006.

And Steve Irwin's father is now revealing a recently discovered letter in which his son made sure his parents knew just how much they meant to him.

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In a handwritten letter, Steve Irwin wrote: "Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a 'Bloke's Life' is that it takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS. At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out."

"In good times and in bad, you were there," the letter continued. "Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength! For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we've shared and will continue to share. You're my best friends!"

Steve Irwin closed the note by saying, "Thank you."

Bob Irwin found the heartwarming letter earlier this year in an unopened envelope while doing research for his memoir, "The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy," out in November.