We are deeply sadden by the passing away of Sir Edmund Hillary on 11 January 2007. He embodied so many of the qualities of the ideal New Zealander. He was personable, genial, self-effacing, competent and organised; but what was more - and was obvious from the many interviews he gave throughout a well-documented life - he was completely at ease when reduced to life size.
Sir Edmund Hillary, who has died at the age of 88, made it to the summit of Everest in 1953, and became the first man on the planet to reach its highest point.
We will miss you, Sir Edmund and you will forever live in our hearts....
Sir Edmund Hillary who, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, climbed Mount Everest in 1953, has died at the age of 88.
By 29 May 1953, when Sir Edmund and the rest of his team made their bid, seven previous expeditions to the top of the mountain had failed.
Sir Edmund began climbing mountains in his native New Zealand as a teenager and soon earned renown as an ice climber.
The expedition in which the successful Everest ascent took place was led by British climber Sir John Hunt.
