Everest Conquerer Dies at 88

Sir Edmund Hillary (right) and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay after their legendary ascent of the Mount Everest in 1953 in Nepal. (Reuters File Photo)

Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, died on Friday, New Zealand's prime minister announced. He was 88. ~ Associated Press

Immediately after his Everest ascent, Edmund climbed 10 other peaks during 1956-65. He was the first one to stand at both the poles and the summit of Everest. On the golden jubilee to commemorate the first ascent to Mt. Everest in 2003, the Nepalese government conferred honorary citizenship on him. He was the first foreign national to receive such an honour. Back home he was the first living legend to appear on a bank note. He appeared on a 5$ note in New Zealand. ~ Times of India

On the morning of Queen Elizabeth's coronation in May 1953, her subjects were told that Sir Edmund had made it to the summit. As he was a New Zealander and therefore a citizen of the Commonwealth, British subjects celebrated his achievement as their own. Sir Edmund was knighted for his efforts, and Tenzing given a medal. ~ BBC

He was a darling to all those who lived in the harsh and hostile mountains under the protective gaze of Sagarmatha. He was a blessing for the Sherpas. He worked tirelessly to bring water and electricity in the upper reaches of the mountains where they lived. He built hospitals and schools. He was a true mountaineer in all sense and sensibilities. ~ Times of India

There is only one recorded photograph of the historic conquest of Mount Everest. A photograph of Sherpa Tenzing holding a flag clicked by Sir Edmund. Later when asked why he did not get Tenzing to photograph him despite Tenzing's offer, Sir Edmund quipped "“As far as I knew, he had never taken a photograph before, and the summit of Everest was hardly the place to show him how.”

Rest in Peace Sir. Edmund Hillary.

Sir. Edmund Hillary. Picture from Geelong Advertiser

You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things - to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.
~ Sir Edmund Hillary