Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer, born July 20, 1919; died January 11, 2008

To most of us, Sir Edmund Hillary’s name is synonymous with the conquering of Mt. Everest — a beekeeper turned world-explorer, who climbed to the top of the world, trekked to both the North and South Pole, and made his way into the history books for his achievements.

“In some ways I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed,” he later wrote.

“I don’t know if I particularly want to be remembered for anything … but there’s no doubt, either, that my most worthwhile things have been the building of schools and medical clinics. That has given me more satisfaction than a footprint on a mountain.”

Indeed, it was with his humanitarian work, particularly among the Sherpas in Nepal, that Hillary made his greatest mark in life — as this video clip from the
CBC National television news program explains:

Sir Edmund Hillary is survived by his wife, Lady June, by his son Peter, who has also climbed Everest, and by Sarah, a daughter from his first marriage. He was predeceased by his first wife, Louise Mary Rose, and their daughter Belinda.

See also:

• Sherpas shed tears for Sir Edmund Hillary, dead at 88
  Dan Box - The Australian News
• Mount Everest climber Sir Edmund Hillary dead at 88
  CBC News