The Belgian news reported sad news this morning.
New Zealand climber and first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, died of a heart attack. He was 88. A state funeral is to be held for him.
Prime Minister Helen Clark spoke of him in the New Zealand Herald, "The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. But 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.
"Sir Ed's 1953 ascent of Mt Everest brought him world-wide fame. Thereafter he set out to support development for the Sherpa people of the Himalayas. His lifetime's humanitarian work there is of huge significance and lasting benefit.
3 comments:
He will be remembered for climbing Everest, but his greatest legacy is probably his humanitarian work.
I didn't even know he was a Kiwi.
Shame on me.
v-grrrl ... how could you not know he was a kiwi ;) all the best people are.
We're a modest race too.
I too was saddened to here of Sir Edmund's death.
A great loss to New Zealand and the world.
Not many of his kind left now, alas.
My commiserations to all Kiwis.
Alex
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