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Read Steve Irwin's touching lost letter to his 'Mum & Dad'

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<p>A piece of Steve Irwin's legacy lives on — the crocodile hunter's father has shared <a href="http://www.people.com/article/steve-irwin-letter-parents-10th-anniversary-death" target="_blank">a personal note</a> Irwin wrote before he died.</p><p>Bob Irwin, Steve's father, only found the note last year, despite the zoologist's passing a decade ago.</p><p><b>SEE MORE: <a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/houston-man-finds-300-pound-gator-in-garage/">A Texas Man Found A 300-Pound Alligator — In His Garage</a></b></p><p>The handwritten note reportedly fell out of a book the senior Irwin was using for research on his own book, "The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy."</p><p>The note was addressed to Steve's mother and father and inscribed "Please be happy to know that your strength and wisdom have been passed on."</p><p>Steve went on to thank his parents for everything they'd provided and wrote, "It takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my happiness."</p><p>Irwin was famous for the television show, "The Crocodile Hunter" and various other nature documentary projects.</p><p>Irwin died at the age of 44 while on a trip in Australia to film a documentary series called "Ocean's Deadliest."</p><p>Irwin <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-sh-crocodile-hunter-steve-irwins-last-words-im-dying-20140310-story.html" target="_blank">reportedly approached</a> a large stingray in chest-deep water to film it swimming. The creature began thrashing its tail and pierced Irwin's heart with a barb. </p><p>Now, the hunter's legacy is living on through his family.</p><p>Steve's daughter, Bindi Irwin, has appeared in television series and worked on conservation projects since her father's passing. She also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bindi-irwin-carrying-on-fathers-work_us_57c70aa3e4b0a22de0938ace" target="_blank">reportedly spends</a> much of her time at Australia Zoo.</p><p>And Irwin's son Robert shoots <a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-kids/robert-irwin-the-son-of-late-crocodile-hunter-steve-irwin-shoots-stunning-wildlife-photos/news-story/af8df64b66d528682980ccdbadc5f0a5" target="_blank">wildlife ph</a><a href="" target="_blank">otos</a>.</p><p>Irwin ended the note by thanking his parents. He called them his "best friends."</p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/global-creatures-announces-moulin-rouge-musical/">Spectacular, Spectacular: 'Moulin Rouge!' Is Moving To The Stage</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/pamela-anderson-writes-op-ed-denouncing-porn/">Pamela Anderson Wants You To Stop Watching Porn</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/videos/bill-nye-is-making-a-new-science-series-for-netflix/">Bill Nye Is Saving The World With His Own Netflix Series</a></li></ul>
Posted at 2:52 PM, Sep 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-02 15:52:14-04

It’s been a decade since Steve Irwin wrestled his last crocodile, but the beloved TV host and wildlife expert is continuing to inspire people around the world.

While reading a book earlier this year, Steve’s father Bob came across a letter the “Crocodile Hunter” had written to his parents between 1994 and 1995 when he was 32 years old. The touching letter describes his relationship with with his “Dad & Mum”.

“Probably one of most unfortunate things in a “Blokes 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,” the letter reads. “For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbeliebably GREAT times we’ve shared and will continue to share. You’re my best friends!”

Irwin captured the hearts of viewers around the world as host of the “Crocodile Hunter” from 1996 until his death. His charming Australian accent and his death-defying interactions with dangerous animals made his show a hit until he was tragically killed by a sting ray on Sept. 4, 2006.

Irwin took after his parents, both of whom are animal conversationalists. The letter is published in Bob Irwin’s memoir, “The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy”. The book is slated to be released in November.

The full letter can be read below.

 
“Probably one of most unfortunate things in a “Blokes 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; you’re my 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 unbeliebably GREAT times we’ve shared and will continue to share. You’re my best friends!”

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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