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.
RIP Sir Edmund Hillary.
Only if a camera’s present.
LOL!
I regard him for his IGY trek to SPA. Even though he wasn’t there first, it had been nearly half a century since Amundsen (and Scott).
If you read the caption, the picture was taken "at the British Embassy in Khatmandu, capital of Nepal, June 26, 1953"
She was born before Sir Ed conquered the mountain and became famous. Clearly, she wasn't named after him.
We know that! But that's what she claims.
Snopes held out hope for YEARS that Hillary’s mother lied to her and that Hillary was telling the truth “I was told by my mom I was named after...”.
A staffer let it slip finally that it was a load of horses**t.
No, it was the middle blocker from the team of sherpas that were playing volleyball up on top of Everest that particular day.
They had to interrupt their crucial third set to do it, but they did so graciously I was told.
one more hilary to go. please make it soon.
Meanwhile, at Clinton campaign headquarters, the following dialogue is taking place: HRC: Time for me to go on TV and express my sadness at the passing of my namesake and make sure the camera zooms in real close when I say "this...sniff...is...real...sniff...personal...for me...he was named after me...and now, he lost so many opportunities to climb more mountains...sniff...and I had so many...sniff opportunities...this is so hard...its hard to climb mountains...sniff, especially if you're a woman in politics..."
You are cruel. Can’t you see, Hillary is in mourning? She’s going to have to play the Crying Game again...
I wonder if, anywhere, a headline will be written: HILLARY DIES!
Thats Too bad, what a great man. He never rested in helping the people of Nepal
Here is a photo of Hillary and Disney Imagineerings Joe Rhody at a private party in Nepal during the research for Animal Kingdoms “Expedition Everest”
(attempt to post photo)
[IMG]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/Danielredfoot/hllary.jpg[/IMG]
Edmund Muskie is running?
You are correct. Sir Edmond Hillary was a great man with dignity and courage. RIP. Mrs. Bill Clinton too.
My memory is failing me, but the expedition leader chose the Hillary/Norkey team for what might turn out to be THE successful assault because the other pair(s) in line to make the attempt consisted of two [Americans/Australians/Dutchmen/whatever] and that would just not do.
Then, another piece on the politics of saying exactly whether it was Hillary or Norkey that first stepped foot on the summit, so they agreed to say "about at the same time".
He made the world a better place. it is unfortunate that so few people will notice that a man who was the first to climb the highest mountain continued to serve his fellow man with humility and grace.
No, they meant Edmund G. Moonbeam Brown, Jr.
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