We knocked the bastard off

Those were the words of Sir Edmund Hillary to a fellow climber in announcing his achievement in being the first man to successfully climb Mt Everest, the world’s tallest mountain.  Sir Edmund died today in Auckland, New Zealand, at the age of 88.

Sir Edmund, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, achieved that feat on May 29, 1953.  As such he was probably the greatest adventurer of the 20th century, and one of the iconic figures of the 2nd half of the century.

After his most famous achievement, Sir Edmund, without fanfare and without compensation,  spent decades pouring energy and resources from his own fundraising efforts into Nepal through the Himalayan Trust he founded in 1962, building hospitals, health clinics, airfields and schools.

NZ PM Helen Clark, in announcing Sir Edmund’s death today said Sir Edmund described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities, but in reality he was a colossus, and:

“He was an heroic figure who not only ‘knocked off’ Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity,”

“He was a quintessential Kiwi,” Clark said. “He was ours - from his craggy appearance and laconic style to his directness and honesty.”

A spokesman for the Hillary family said:

“The family are honored to accept the government’s offer of a state funeral, recognizing the impact he had on all New Zealanders. They are also comforted by the messages of support from around the country and around the world.

“His great friends the Sherpa people have called [wife] June and are organizing their own memorial service in Nepal.”

Vale, Sir Edmund Hillary, a great man who packed a hell of a lot of achievement into his life.