Tributes flow for humble Everest conquerer Sir Edmund Hillary
Karen Collier and Matthew Schulz
January 11, 2008 12:19pm
TRIBUTES are flowing from around the globe for Everest conquerer Sir Edmund Hillary who died today aged 88 from a heart attack.
The giant of mountain climbing who was the first to stand on the 'top of the world' with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953, has been remembered as a down to earth man with a massive heart and a small ego.
As the triumphant pair descended, Hillary announced to fellow climbers: "We knocked the bastard off".
Sir Edmund died in hospital at 7am Melbourne time. Friends said he had been unwell with liver problems for some time.
Fellow adventurers today mourned the pioneer and humanitarian who first conquered the imposing 8848m Mt Everest, and then dedicated his life to building schools and hospitals in Nepal's Himalayan region.
Admirers praised the explorer's determination on and off the slopes.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23036842-661,00.html
