[wordup] Sir Edmund Hillary Died at 9am Today

[Adam Shand]

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4351997a10.html

Sir Edmund Hillary died at 9 am today, the Auckland District Health  
Board said.

He died at the Auckland City Hospital.

"My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund's children, wider  
family, and close friends at this sad time," she said in a statement.

"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.

"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best- 
known New Zealander ever to have lived. But most of all he was a  
quintessential Kiwi. He was ours - from his craggy appearance and  
laconic style to his directness and honesty.  All New Zealanders will  
deeply mourn his passing.

"Sir Ed's 1953 ascent of Mt Everest brought him world-wide fame.  
Thereafter he set out to support development for the Sherpa people of  
the Himalayas. His lifetime's humanitarian work there is of huge  
significance and lasting benefit.

"Sir Ed was not one to bask idly in celebrity. He drew on his  
international prestige to highlight issues and values which he held  
dear. His enduring commitment to and respect for the Sherpa people  
reflects the best of what we as New Zealanders can contribute, from  
our small developed nation helping another less privileged one.

"Sir Edmund established the Himalayan Trust in the early 1960s and  
worked tirelessly until his death to raise funds and build schools and  
hospitals in the mountains.

"The legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary will live on. His exploits continue  
to inspire new generations of New Zealanders, as they have for more  
than half a century already," Helen Clark said.

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