“Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin was remembered yesterday for his “great zest for life” at a public memorial service for the beloved conservationist and entertainer. “We have lost a friend, a champion,” actor Russell Crowe said in a recorded tribute. “It will take some time to adjust to that.” Prime minister John Howard, among the 5,000 in attendance at the Australia Zoo for the ceremony, remembered Irwin for his love of Australia. “Steve Irwin touched the hearts of Australians and touched the hearts of millions around the world in a very special way,” said Howard. An exuberant television entertainer and conservationist, Irwin, 44, died on September 4 when the barb from a stingray pierced his chest while he was filming for a TV show on the Great Barrier Reef. His family held a private funeral service for him on September 9 at Australia Zoo. The ceremony yesterday featured footage of the hugely popular television program that coaxed laughter from the attendees. As expected, there was one empty seat at Irwin’s personal stadium – the one set aside for the late and hugely popular “Crocodile Hunter” himself.