Sandie Seward
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Location: South Essex
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 Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:38 pm Post subject: Sir Edmund Hilary. |
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Sir Edmund Hillary, the man who conquered Mount Everest, has died, the New Zealand government said tonight.
The 88-year-old shot to fame when he scaled the world's highest mountain along with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, just days before the coronation of Elizabeth II.
After returning from the summit, the famously matter-of-fact climber greeted a fellow expedition member with the words: "Well, George, we've knocked the bastard off."
The New Zealander's health had reportedly been in decline since April, after he suffered a fall while in Nepal.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark said that his passing was a profound loss.
"Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities.
"In reality he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off' Everest but lived a life of determination, humility and generosity."
First men on Everest: Edmund Hillary with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay after descending from the summit in 1953
"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived."
"My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund's children, wider family, and close friends at this sad time," she said.
In 1992, Sir Edmund became the first living New Zealander to feature on a banknote, when his well-known craggy face graced the new $5 bill.
Hillary's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement — and by his personal humility.
Everest in their sights: Edmund Hillary, left, Colonel John Hunt, and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay take a last look at Mount Everest before leaving Katmandu
Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.
The gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in stride, preferring to be called "Ed" and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper.
Hillary is survived by his wife Lady June Hillary and two children Peter and Sarah.
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