I never met the fella but to me he was the most positive, genuine person you'd ever likely to encounter.He never had a negative or bad word to say about anyone even when he was criticised for some of his antics he acknowledged the argument , stood his ground then explained his actions and why he thought they were safe.
He was well known in Oz (more so in the U.S. and U.K. through his early documentaries and programmes then the zoo and movie took off and his profile skyrocketed) but he was hit and miss for a long time, opinion was polarised. Some people considered him a nutcase for his antics (inimitable style and incidents with kids and crocs) others thought he was a good guy for the work he did and championed for conservation and education.
His persona, passion and enthusiasm for his work with dangerous animals meant he was never going to be found having passed away in the night. However it was this passion, energy, persona and enthusiasm that endeared him to the world as he shouted "Crikey!" and encountered all kinds of deadly creatures.
He was a husband , father of two and general all round nice guy and the world is a lesser place without him and his like.
