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.
He will be remembered for climbing Everest, but his greatest legacy is probably his humanitarian work.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteWe're a modest race too.
I too was saddened to here of Sir Edmund's death.
ReplyDeleteA great loss to New Zealand and the world.
Not many of his kind left now, alas.
My commiserations to all Kiwis.
Alex