Steve Irwin would have celebrated his 59th birthday on Monday (February 22). The beloved “Crocodile Hunter” passed away in September 2006 at the age of 44.
Steve’s daughter, Bindi, was only eight years old at the time of his passing. Now 22, Bindi is married and expecting her first child.
With her baby girl due to arrive in just a matter of weeks, Steve has understandably been on Bindi’s mind a lot lately. She recently told The Bump how she thinks Steve “would have been the best grandfather.”
Steve thrived in fatherhood, so we have no doubt he would have loved going on adventures with his granddaughter.
When Steve’s birthday rolled around, Bindi remembered her father by sharing an old photo from when she was a baby. The photo shows Bindi being held by her grandmother (Steve’s mom, Lyn), while Steve looked down at her and smiled.
Steve and Lyn coincidentally shared a birthday. Both of them have since passed on, so Bindi took the opportunity to honor each of them in her post.
“I’m thankful for every moment we got together,” she wrote. “Their love will live in my heart forever.”
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Steve’s son, Robert, also penned a tribute to him on his birthday.
Robert was only two when he lost his father. He is now 17, and is an award-winning photographer.
Like his sister, Robert shared an old photo that shows how much Steve loved being a dad. The picture depicts Robert and Steve making silly faces and sticking their tongues out at the camera.
“Love you, Dad,” Robert wrote alongside a smiley face and heart emoji.
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Steve’s widow, Terri, made a post in honor of his birthday as well. She announced a new Funko Pop! Vinyl is being released in Steve’s likeness. Previous figures of Steve show him holding a crocodile, a snake, and a sea turtle.
This new figurine shows Steve with his beloved dog, Sui. Bindi’s middle name, Sue, is in honor of Steve’s furry friend.
Terri shared a series of photos that show what the new Steve and Sui figure will look like. Check them out below.
After all this time, Terri, Robert, and Bindi still miss Steve terribly. But they’re doing everything in their power to make sure his legacy lives on.