Posted on 01/10/2008 3:09:14 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.
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.
"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," Clark said in a statement.
"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived," she said.
Hillary's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement — and by his personal humility. Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest and was the first man to drive a tractor across Anactica to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.
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's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement — and by his personal humility. Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.
**FILE PHOTO** Sardar Tensing Norkey (right) of Nepal and Edmund P. Hillary of New Zealand are shown here in the kit they wore when conquering Mount Everest, world's highest peak, on May 29, at the British Embassy in Khatmandu, capital of Nepal, June 26, 1953. (AP Photo)
Hillary Clinton is deeply saddened that her namesake has passed on.
The man Hillary is named after?
Hillary Clinton’s namesake, if I recall the lie.
Now there’s a Hillary I could have voted for.
Hillary Clinton will attend his funeral..
Seven years from now.
What a heroic, unassuming man. The world just got a little poorer for his passing.
Salute, Sir Ed.
Its a bloody shame, wrong Hillary.
Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mount Everest, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Kathmandu in this April 15, 2007 file photo. Hillary, who along with Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first to conquer Mount Everest, has died, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark said on January 11, 2008. REUTERS/Deepa Shrestha (NEPAL)
Correct, he was named after Hillary.
Yes, she was named after him minus one “l” and 6 years before he climbed Everest.
Don’t you know she’s PO’d that he waited until AFTER the NH primary to die. No PR mileage from this.
Not to mention he was the namesake of our next President.
Hillary Clinton will attend his funeral..Seven years from now.
Hillarious!!!!!!!
Correction, same number of l’s.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
He’s still dead.
Rest In Peace, Sir Ed.
Didn’t Miss Hillary invent mountain climbing?
“Don’t you know she’s PO’d that he waited until AFTER the NH primary to die. No PR mileage from this.”
You got that right. I wonder how she’ll work his passing into her campaign?
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