SIR EDMUND HILLARY (1919 - 2008)

Sir Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand icon who became the first man to ascend Mount Everest, has passed away aged 88.

Announcing Sir Edmund’s death in Auckland after a brief illness, New Zealand’s prime minister described him as a “heroic figure who not only ‘knocked off’ Everest but lived a life of determination, humility and generosity”.

“The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived,” Ms Clark said in a statement.

“But most of all he was a quintessential Kiwi.”

“He was ours - from his craggy appearance to laconic style to his directness and honesty. All New Zealanders will deeply mourn his passing.”

Simple and humble, Sir Edmund spent most of his life in philanthropy, raising funds and building infrastructure for the people of Nepal.

In the years that followed his famous ascent, he shunned the celebrity that had become his overnight.

On the 50th anniversary of his achievement, he even turned down an invitation from the Queen, so that he could instead travel to Kathmandu to be with lifelong Sherpa friends.

Although he will always be remembered for reaching the world’s highest plateau, for the explorer himself, his greatest satisfaction came with the Nepalese people he befriended.

He said: “My most worthwhile things have been the building of schools and clinics. That has given me more satisfaction than a footprint on a mountain.”

Sir Edmund Hillary remained philosophical about living with such an early achievement. He explained: “I’ve had a full and rewarding life. Life’s a bit like mountaineering - never look down.”

Goodbye, Sir Edmund. Thank you for all you’ve done. You will be deeply missed.

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Malaysia/New Zealand
• Vale Sir Edmund Hillary 1912-2008 « Visible Procrastinations
• Sir Edmund Hillary - A great friend of the Nepalese people dies
• Sir Edmund Hillary, RIP « People at Work & Play