Crocoseum to host big farewell for our most loved son

8:01a.m. 14th September 2006

FITTING FAREWELL: Terri and Steve Irwin.

By CANDICE HOLZNAGEL

A HEARTBROKEN Terri Irwin has thanked the world for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers as she vowed her soul mate would be farewelled where it all began V at Australia Zoo.

Terri was due to face a media throng yesterday but was still too upset to talk, so Bob Irwin stepped in to outline the plans to have next Wednesdays memorial in the zoos Crocoseum V Steves pride and joy.

The final goodbye will be at 9am V more than a fortnight after the Crocodile Hunter was killed by a stingray barb in north Queensland.

In yesterdays statement, Terri thanked the world for its tributes to her husband and even extended condolences to the family of motor racing legend Peter Brock, who was also killed last week.

All the Irwins will attend Steves memorial and it is expected Terri and daughter Bindi, 8, will pay tributes.

The Crocoseum has a limited capacity of 5500 seats. Three thousand free tickets will be released through Ticketek tomorrow. Two thousand tickets will be released on the Coast.

Terri said she understood her decision to have the memorial in Beerwah would cause traffic problems.

But she said Steve would have wanted the memorial at his Crocoseum.

Plans for Steves memorial service have suggested venues in Brisbane ... however, it is my wish that the memorial be held here in the Crocoseum at Australia Zoo, Terri said.

I can not see how a memorial service for Steve would work in any other place other than the Crocoseum, which he built here at the zoo and of which he was so proud.

I would therefore ask that everyone please bear with me in this wish and help me to make this happen.

Terri hoped the State Government, Caloundra City and Brisbane councils would provide large television screens at various venues to broadcast the live event for those unable to get tickets.

(Then) people will be able to gather and pay their last respects to my soul mate and our Wildlife Warrior.

A Caloundra council spokesman said no formal talks had taken place but council would be happy to discuss the proposal with zoo representatives.

He earmarked Kings Beach Park or Quad Park as ideal venues.

The memorial service will be broadcast on the Nine and Seven networks and possibly ABC TV and radio. It will also be aired across Asia and America.

Steves manager John Stainton said people could expect a 40-minute service which celebrated Steves life.

Australian entertainer John Williamson, one of Mr Irwins favourite singers, will perform.

John will sing one or two songs that Steve really loved ... he loved True Blue, Mr Stainton said.

He said it would not be an elaborate variety show.

We are going to cover many facets of his life, from when he was a little boy until he left us.