as i type this i'm listening to the many tributes to the greatest New Zealander of our time, perhaps of all time. a very moving event as state funerals here are few and far between and usually kept for past prime ministers, leaders in govt or the military. today is an exception but highly appropriate. today we honour the passing ten days ago of Sir Edmund Hillary, the man who 'knocked the bastard off' we've lost a great adventurer, humanitarian and all around humble good guy. all of new zealand is today in mourning for him. sorry, for those who dont know of Sir Ed, he is the first man to conquer the tallest mountain on earth, in the Himilayan Mountains in Nepal, Mt Everest, way back in 1953, Sir Ed and sherpa Tenzing Norgay made it to the summit. this great feat was announced to the world on the day Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne of England and the British Commonwealth. a fitting time indeed. he will be truely and so sadly missed by the entire country and indeed the world. the world has lost a very very great man. rip, Sir Ed.
OT-State Funeral today for Sir Edmund Hillary
Jan 21, 2008
11 Replies
Along with the singular feat of scaling the mountain, in later life he did a lot good works, for the Sherpa community of Nepal. He was a truly great fellow, and I am sure NZ mourns his passing, as does anybody with an interest in the mountain and trekking communities.
John
There was a short piece on the funeral in the 11am news. They were a bit miffed that there was no represenative from the Royal family... rightly so I feel.
Dee in Oz ( who's uncle once climbed with Sir Edmund)
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a great person who has accomplishment much in his life. I am always grateful to hear of all the wonderful deeds. Barbara in FL, USA
I agree it's a shame, but I think it's a tough call, the distance makes it tricker, some news reports gave the impression that the Queen would have liked to have gone, but wasn't up to the trip.
Anne
I was so sad to hear of his death. I will never forget hearing the news, just as we were all so excited about the Coronation. In these days of instant news, it is amazing to think that it took four or five days for the news to get from the mountain out to the world. I have been fascinated by Everest from them on. A really good man. I, too, was sorry there wasn't a Royal rep. I suppose, logistically, it is difficult - so far, at short notice, engagements etc - but surely someone could have been free for a few days. I would *not* have been a 'snub' though, of that I am quite certain. . In message , nzlstar* writes
One of my all time heroes.
Farewell, blythe spirit. Rest easy.
And in these troubled times, getting the security in place would have been a nightmare.
Such a wonderful man and a great loss to us all. I well remember watching the Coronation in a draughty scout hall with a
12inch TV set too far away to see the action. A cold wet Summer day in Birmingham and the rest of England too. When the news of the Conquest of Everest came through there was another reason for celebration. The world needs heroes like Sir Ed. He will be missed from our company. Ruth, Sydney
I heard tonight that The Queen has offered a memorial service at Buckingham (IIRC) in April
Just on the news - Windsor Castle.
Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~ (uk)
mel>> I was so sad to hear of his death. I will never forget hearing the
Oh good! . In message , Sally Swindells writes
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