I don't really know about a hero, but I do look up to/respect people in the hobby.
Ad Konings - He is part of the reason I started look into Lake Tanganyika, which I absolutely love to keep. I was really happy to get to meet him back in 07'.
Takashi amano - mainly because his tanks are awesome, that takes a lot of work to maintain and I don't think I could make something that awesome.
Guppy (Loren) - He was an awesome person and I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting him. Not only was he an interesting person but he was like a walking encyclopedia.
I also look up to Oddball - He does everything.
Zoodiver - I have respect for him as a hobbyist and in the field. He does a lot of cool set up's, knowledgeable and helpful.
Li (Neo) - If it weren't for him I don't think I would have been inspired to keep the monsters that I have had the pleasure of keeping (Yes I have kept stuff outside of Africans lol).
Rachel- I have a lot of respect for her as well, I don't know a ton of people who know a lot about inverts, but she does and she passionate about it. Things like that help keep my interest in things outside of just fish.
lol @ Jeremy Wade posts - glad I am not the only one. IDC if that show is corny - its awesome.
I also am inspired by a lot of the people that I meet. A lot of the people at my local club who do some cool stuff and are diverse in interests, people that I have met locally, and many people that I've met from here.