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.
lol
From the time she was born until Sir Edmund climbed Mt. Everest, her family just referred to her as ‘the girl’ or ‘hey you’
Actually, if you look on her resume you'll see she created Mount Everest right along with God so she has the unique skills to do the job.
continue to call her “Sir Edmund Hillary Clinton”. Or “Sir” for short.
I don’t see why everyone is picking on Hillary. It’s obvious that one of her parents was prescient. This is obviously an ability that if handed down will be very valuable to her as President.
It’s sad to see the passing of a great man that was so humble. This is the type of man we should hope our children emulate.
Miss Hillary invented lying with a straight face.
My personal favorite of the endless, truly endless Hillary Clinton lies: She asserts that she was named in honor of Sir Edmond Hillary.
Young Edmond Hillary was a totally unknown New Zealand bee keeper at the time that we were cursed with Hillary’s birth.
Quote of the day. And I'm stealing it.
Hm, but the picture shows them at an embassy for a publicity shot, so it can’t be considered anything but?
There is still at least some chance that Mallory and Irvine were among the first to scale Everest, btw. Most would qualify the feat of mountain climbing by specifying one has to return alive. Hm.
Sir Edmund was named after Hillary Clinton. /S
He changed his name to Sir Edmund Hillary-Rodham before death /s
It was on the morning of the Queen's coronation - made a great day even more special.
RIP Sir Edmund.
I think most current celebrity follow the shallow paths they do is because they know their "achievements" are hollow. Sir Edmund followed the dictum "to whom much is given, much is expected" and was rewarded with riches beyond anything this world could provide.
Bravo, and it’s an exact likeness.
.
Excellent potlatch!
Thank you.
.
You’re welcome!
Now, THAT’S funny!!!
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