Sir Edmund Hillary Dies
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Posted by Tel Asiado Jan 10, 2008 |
Explorer and mountaineer Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919-2008), aged 88, has died few hours ago, as announced by New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Hillary was the first man to climb Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The feat was never repeated again by the pair. He was also a humanitarian who gave much to education and many more charitable causes.
According to The Australian online newspaper, of the humble man Sir Hillary, Clark says:
"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.”
Prime Minister Clark condoles with wife Lady June Hillary, their two children Peter and Sarah, family and friends.
Sir Hillary has been ill since April after a fall while in Nepal.
Mt. Everest, perhaps might have appeared as a jagged pinnacle of rock from below, however, Sir Hillary on his return after that historical climb described the mountain as "A symmetrical, beautiful snow-cone summit."
We will always believe you... rest in peace, Sir Edmund.
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