In Memoriam: Steve Irwin

I was truly saddened to hear of the unexpected death of conservation ecologist and science program host, Steve Irwin. I think the words of my colleague, John Flunker best summarizes the solemn feelings of many of my fellow ecologists...
Truly a great loss to the biological community, especially in terms of generating public interest in the natural world and exuding passion for the subject. Such an embodiment of pure enthusiasm for life is a rare and admirable trait, the effects of which were (are) often contagious and thus particularly valuable in a world oftentimes dominated by passive and mundane attitudes.