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'My love for you is my strength': Steve Irwin's touching letter to his parents before he was killed by a stingray. When Steve Irwin died after being attacked by a stingray in 2006 it sent shockwaves around the world. And now, as his family and fans prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of his death, a heartbreaking note penned by the Crocodile Hunter has been uncovered. Steve Irwin's touching letter, written to the conservationist's parents 12 years before his death, reveals a man who was 'finally starting to figure it out' at the age of 32. Heartbreaking: Steve Irwin's Touching letter to his parents have been uncovered as his family and fans prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of his death PR Image 'Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a 'Bloke's Life' is that it takes over 30 years to realize how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS,' he wrote, in the letter published on news.com.au. 'At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength! 'For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we've shared and will continue to share. You're my best friends!' Family bond: Steve's father Bob (pictured) found the unopened letter in a book while researching his memoir Getty Images Tragic: Steve's son Robert was just two-years-old when the Crocodile Hunter died, pictured in 2005 Getty Images Steve's father Bob only discovered Irwin's touching letter earlier this year when he was researching his memoir, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy. He told the publication that the unopened letter addressed to himself and his wife Lyn, fell out of a book. A message on the envelope read: 'Please be happy to know that your strength and wisdom have been passed on.' Just 12 years after writing this letter, Steve passed away in the waters off Port Douglas in Far North Queensland at the age of 44. From beyond the grave: The touching letter was written to the conservationist's parents 12 years before his death Getty Images Legacy: In the years since, Steve's wife Terri and children have taken up where Irwin left off, as powerful voices for the protection of Australian wildlife AAP Image The 10th anniversary of the Crocodile Hunter's death falls this Sunday on Father's Day. His daughter Bindi was just eight years old when Steve was killed as he filmed a segment for a new series called Ocean's Deadliest. Her brother, Robert, was not yet three. In the years since, Steve's wife Terri and children have taken up where Irwin left off, as powerful voices for the protection of Australian wildlife. Bindi, now 18, says she's proud of that work and of being able to build on her father's legacy. Devastating: His daughter Bindi was just eight years old when Steve was killed as he filmed a segment for a new series called Ocean's Deadliest. Steve Irwin Following in his footsteps: Bindi, now 18, says she's proud of that work and of being able to build on her father's legacy Instagram 'We can still feel him around us, and we hope he would be proud of us,' she told the Nine Network this week. Robert, now 12, added: 'It is incredible that we get to carry on where he left off.' The family hasn't said how they'll mark the 10-year anniversary of Irwin's death on Sunday. They have always kept the details of their grieving process private. Steve's father Bob, 77, has also chosen not to speak publicly about how he'll mark the day, but back in 2011 he shared a glimpse of the rituals he relies on to keep his son close. Memoir: Steve's letter to his parents, Lyn and Bob, will be published at the start of his father’s memoir, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy Amazon Anniversary: Steve's father Bob, 77, has also chosen not to speak publicly about how he'll mark the day PR Image He told of his walks, each evening, along with a well-worn track from the back of his farmhouse to a fire pit where he thinks and talks to Steve. 'It's something I do privately. I get messages from Steve and I don't mind admitting I talk to him,' he told AAP. 'If people think I'm crazy, that's fine. I talk to the animals too.' He spoke too of the enormous sense of loss that's always with him. 'It's something I'll never completely get over. I don't think you do. But what you do is learn to live with it. I know Steve's out there and he helps me do what I've got to do.' Some Highlights of the fantastic Steve Irwin (Source) RELATED: Bindi Irwin To Honor Late Dad, Steve Irwin, At Wedding With Special Candle Lighting Ceremony