Steve Irwin-A Light In Our Lives

This campaign is in loving memory of Steve Irwin who passed away suddenly on April 26, 2020. Steve was the creator/administrator of LightingTrainer.COM, an educational website helping thousands get free training within the stage lighting industry; and all the “Everything Stage” Facebook groups(Lighting, Audio, Rigging, etc.), which had over 150,000 members who could reach out for guidance and advice to others within their field. Steve dedicated and donated his time and expertise to monitor and guide all these sites, and selflessly helped thousands along the way. Steve battled chronic illness and pain for many years, and ultimately, this is what caused him to be unable to handle live events in person. What helped him to feel better, even in the worst of times, was the gift of giving of himself, to help others. He was truly one of the most remarkable, selfless people I ever had the honor to know. Many people whose lives Steve had touched, and whom he had helped, have asked what they can do to help at this time. Donations to this campaign will be used to handle a variety of expenses affiliated with his sudden passing, including assisting his beloved fiancée, Ricarda, who worked with Steve on all these above mentioned items, and now has so much to handle without him. In speaking with Rikki, who is pictured here with Steve, we are aware that because of the Virus, that many in our industry are without work at this time. This makes the heartfelt request for donations even more sensitive at this difficult time. If there’s one thing Steve taught me in all our years of sharing our lives, it’s that giving to others, even when we are struggling ourselves, is the greatest form of compassion from one person to another. In remembering Steve, I hope this will help you help this GoFundMe campaign. I leave you with this quote from the Broadway show, WICKED, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It’s from the song FOR GOOD: “I’ve heard it said That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn And we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true But I know I’m who I am today Because I knew you... Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good.” Because I knew Steve, because WE knew Steve, WE have been changed for good. Thank you for whatever help you can give. Laura Kravets