Everest hero Hillary dies at 88
Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest has died, New Zealand’s prime minister Helen Clark said tonight.
The 88-year-old gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in his stride, preferring to be called “Ed” and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper.
Hillary’s life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement – and by his personal humility.
He was humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.
Helen Clark, New Zealand's prime minister, said Sir Edmund, who preferred to be called ``Ed'', was the best-known New Zealander to have lived.
“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,” she said.
“Most of all he was a quintessential Kiwi. He was ours – from his craggy appearance and laconic style to his directness and honesty.
“All New Zealanders will deeply mourn his passing.”
After climbing the 8,850m peak of Everest, Edmund spent much of his life supporting humanitarian work among the Sherpas, and led expeditions to the South Pole and the source of the Yangtze River.
British adventurer and environmentalist Pen Hadow said Sir Edmund's death ``closes one of the great chapters of planetary exploration''.
“He was physically and metaphorically at the pinnacle of high adventure,” said the Dartmoor-based Arctic and Antarctic explorer.
Because of Edmund’s conquest of Everest “millions of people will know him and will and will be affected in some way by his passing”.
He said the climber turned his achievement to the benefit of the Sherpa community in which Mount Everest stands.
Mr Hadow said Edmund was one of three men – together with sailor Francis Chichester and underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau – who was an inspiration to him.
