Edmund Hillary

Date of Birth: July 20, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 11, 2008

Biography

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist. Born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand, Hillary is best known for being one of the first two individuals to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, on May 29, 1953. Alongside his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, Hillary’s successful ascent brought him international fame and recognition. Hillary’s interest in climbing began during his school years, and he quickly became an adept climber in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. During World War II, he served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a navigator on Catalina flying boats. After the war, he returned to climbing and joined the 1951 British reconnaissance expedition to Everest, which led to the successful 1953 summit bid. Following his historic climb, Hillary devoted much of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he founded. His efforts led to the construction of schools, hospitals, and airstrips in the remote regions of Nepal. Hillary also participated in several other significant expeditions, including trips to the South Pole and leading a jet boat expedition up the Ganges River. For his contributions to exploration and his charitable work, Hillary received numerous honors, including a knighthood in 1953 and the Order of the Garter in 1995.

5 Interesting Facts about Edmund Hillary

1. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.

2. He founded the Himalayan Trust, which built schools and hospitals in Nepal.

3. Hillary was also part of the first overland expedition to reach the South Pole since Amundsen and Scott in 1911 and 1912.

4. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 shortly after summiting Everest.

5. Hillary appeared on the New Zealand five-dollar note, the only living person to appear on New Zealand currency while still alive.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edmund Hillary

1. “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

2. “You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things—to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.”

3. “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”

4. “Life’s a bit like mountaineering – never look down.”

5. “I have never regarded myself as a hero, but Tenzing undoubtedly was.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edmund Hillary’s net worth was never publicly disclosed, and he never sought wealth from his endeavors. Instead, he focused on philanthropy and exploration.

Children

Edmund Hillary had three children with his first wife, Louise Mary Rose: Peter, Sarah, and Belinda. Tragically, his wife and youngest daughter, Belinda, died in a plane crash in 1975. His son, Peter Hillary, is also an accomplished climber and adventurer who has followed in his father’s footsteps, summiting Everest twice.