Sir Edmund Hillary: 1919-2008

[Dori]

Today we remember what is known as New Zealand's greatest hero, after he died from a heart attack this morning in Auckland Hospital.
Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person in the world to climb Mt Everest, reaching the heighest peak in the world.



Sir Edmund Hillary 1919-2008

Sir Edmund Hillary was also the first New Zealander to be featured on a New Zealand bill who was still leaving. It shows his exceptional achievement in life and he stands as a role model to all New Zealanders and others in the world.

A humble bee-keeper, Antarctic Explorer and a Humanitarian, with his down-to-earth nature, Hillary was a genuine Kiwi who resembeled humility, passion and hard work.



He will be dearly missed. His family are now decided whether to hold a state funeral for this New Zealand icon, and this is yet to be decided over the weekend.

Please pay your tributes, and let us remember him on this humble forum. No doubt Hayley may sing in memory of him at his funeral, should a state funeral be carried out.

Hillary specifically stated how he did not want a monument to be erected in his honor, but to have New Zealanders carry on with the Himalayan Trust, and what he has given to the world. He wants to be remembered for being a pioneer, and not just and icon.

And he will be.

Dori

I've corrected the spelling of Edmund in the title.

[stevemacdonald]

May he rest in peace.

By the way, the summit of Mt. Everest is NOT the further point on the earth's surface from its center. That distinction belongs to a mountain in Ecuador because the planet's width is greater at the equator.

[Ross]

:'(It was a sad day at work today when I heard that Sir Edmund Hillary had died as he was a great New Zealander possibly the greatest we have ever had. Not only will we miss him in New Zealand but also in Nepal, India and Great Britain. He will be having a state funeral next week which is rarely done in NZ.

[Joe]

Thanks for posting this, Dori. Sir Edmund was quite humble in his achievement of climbing the world's highest mountain. His works of charity have been countless; and no doubt they shall continue through the Himalayan Trust and other causes.

[Dori]

State funerals are rare in NZ, Ross. I'm guessing it is going to be something like Steve Irwin's memorial. We'll have to wait and see.
Documentaries are screening all night to commemorate this legend.

Dori

[Dori]

I thought i would share this; i just signed the TVNZ Rememberance Book in honor of Sir Ed. Check it out:

tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1316907/1540118

Dori (Sukayna)

[grant]

Hi Dori and thank you for creating this thread.

Sir Edmund's death made the national news here this morning and I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know that he was a New Zealander!

Our news broadcast said that he was the greatest New Zealander of his time. Not surprising as I think his successful attempt to climb Mount Everest was the ninth, the previous eight all having ended in disaster.

We were also told that he would be having (a much deserved) state funeral.

Best wishes
Grant

[Dave]

Sir Edmund Hillary was a boyhood hero of mine, way back in the 1950s and 60s. He seemed to me like someone straight out of a super hero's comic book.... much larger than life. I was so sorry to hear of his passing, rest in peace Sir Edmund. As they say in cricketing Nations, "he had a good innings" - not quite a century but at 88, not far off.

To anyone who disputes or diminishes his and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's feat, I say this: Try climbing up a mountain (any mountain) from the bottom of the ocean or the centre of the Earth. Mean sea level is the correct base point, as in mapping - but this is not the time or the place for expanding on such a discussion.

Dave

[milewalker]

I heard this sad news on the radio this morning. I always keep a special place in my heart for those who dare - the explorers and pioneers These people take the mundane world, and make it new and young again.

Thank you, Sir Edmund.

Jon

Edited to correct a misspelling....

[Stephany]

Hi all,

I heard the sad news on television this morning.
May he rest in peace!

Stephany

[stevemacdonald]

So is his name spelled Edmond or Edmund? It seems to be done both ways here.

Interesting man, for sure. Although his fame peaked because of Mt Everest he was also an important pioneer with regard to Antarctica.

[Dori]

No Steve, his name was spelt Edmund.

Dori

[graemek]

Hi All & thanks Dori,

He was also one of my childhood heroes. I notice that one of the main presenters of NZ TV 3 had connections with him.

What fascinated me particularly was his lifelong hands on interest in improving the lot of the Sherpas.

Also his humility & courage & the lack of smears to his name.

I can think of one person who'd be well qualified to sing at his state funeral.

Graeme

[martindn]

Yes, a hero of mine for sure. I remember hearing of his reaching the summit when I was 7 years old, just before the Queen's coronation. I've done a bit of mountaineering in my time too, but not on that scale.
I was sad to hear of his passing, and although I doubt they will ever read this, would like to pass on my condolences to those of his family he leaves behind.
He was a fine human being to be sure, and a credit to his country. God Bless you Sir Edmund!

Martin

[gra7890]

Yes I am sure today's news will hit people in New Zealand very hard.
I can just remember hearing the news of his success at Everest on the Radio (pre TV for us ). It was about 2 days after, as news took longer to travel in those days.
Hayley has talked recently about her Grandmother ( Danny boy I think ?) and it will probably hit that generation in New Zealand harder than Hayley's own.
Yes I am sure Hayley would make a very moving impact at any such remembrance service if asked .
Its events like this that put other things in perspective.
Graham