Everest hero Hillary dies at 88

Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest has died, New Zealand’s prime minister Helen Clark said tonight. The 88-year-old gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in his stride, preferring to be called “Ed” and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper.
Hillary’s life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement – and by his personal humility.He was humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay.Helen Clark, New Zealand's prime minister, said Sir Edmund, who preferred to be called ``Ed'', was the best-known New Zealander to have lived.“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,” she said.