37 Facts About Edmund Hillary

Early Life and Background

Edmund Hillary, a name synonymous with adventure and exploration, had a fascinating life even before his famous ascent of Mount Everest. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.

1. Born on July 20, 1919, in Auckland, New Zealand, Edmund Hillary grew up in a small town called Tuakau.
2. His father, Percival Augustus Hillary, served in Gallipoli during World War I.
3. Hillary's mother, Gertrude Clark, was a schoolteacher who instilled a love of learning in her children.
4. As a child, Hillary was shy and often lost himself in books about adventure and exploration.
5. He attended Auckland Grammar School, where he discovered his passion for mountaineering during a school trip to Mount Ruapehu.

Mountaineering Beginnings

Hillary's journey to becoming one of the world's most famous mountaineers started with humble beginnings. His early climbs laid the foundation for his future achievements.

6. His first major climb was Mount Ollivier in New Zealand's Southern Alps in 1939.
7. During World War II, Hillary served as a navigator in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
8. After the war, he resumed climbing and joined the New Zealand Alpine Club.
9. In 1951, he participated in a British reconnaissance expedition to Everest, which sparked his ambition to reach the summit.
10. Hillary's climbing partner, George Lowe, was also a New Zealander and a lifelong friend.

The Historic Everest Ascent

Hillary's most famous achievement came in 1953 when he and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This historic event is filled with fascinating details.

11. The successful ascent took place on May 29, 1953.
12. Hillary and Norgay were part of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt.
13. They reached the summit at 11:30 a.m. local time.
14. Hillary famously said, "We knocked the bastard off," upon descending from the peak.
15. The news of their success reached Britain on the day of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, adding to the celebration.

Life After Everest

After conquering Everest, Hillary's life took many interesting turns. He continued to explore, contribute to society, and inspire others.

16. In 1958, Hillary led the New Zealand section of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
17. He became the first person to reach both the South Pole and the summit of Everest.
18. Hillary devoted much of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal, building schools, hospitals, and bridges.
19. He established the Himalayan Trust in 1960 to support these projects.
20. Hillary served as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India from 1985 to 1989.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hillary's personal life was as rich and varied as his professional achievements. His legacy continues to inspire adventurers and philanthropists alike.

21. He married Louise Mary Rose in 1953, shortly after his Everest ascent.
22. The couple had three children: Peter, Sarah, and Belinda.
23. Tragically, Louise and Belinda died in a plane crash in 1975.
24. Hillary later married June Mulgrew, the widow of his close friend Peter Mulgrew.
25. His son, Peter Hillary, followed in his father's footsteps and became a renowned mountaineer.

Honors and Recognition

Hillary's contributions to mountaineering and humanitarian work earned him numerous accolades and honors throughout his life.

26. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, becoming Sir Edmund Hillary.
27. In 1987, he received the Order of the Garter, one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom.
28. Hillary was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2008.
29. He appeared on the New Zealand five-dollar note, making him one of the few living people to be featured on a banknote.
30. The Hillary Step, a famous rock face near the summit of Everest, was named in his honor.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond his well-known achievements, Hillary's life was filled with lesser-known but equally fascinating facts.

31. He was an avid beekeeper, a profession he inherited from his father.
32. Hillary wrote several books, including his autobiography "High Adventure" and "View from the Summit."
33. He was a skilled pilot and often flew small planes during his expeditions.
34. Hillary had a keen interest in environmental conservation and supported various initiatives to protect the Himalayas.
35. He was a member of the Rotary Club and actively participated in community service projects.
36. In 1992, Hillary received the Polar Medal for his contributions to Antarctic exploration.
37. He passed away on January 11, 2008, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and adventure.

Edmund Hillary's Legacy

Edmund Hillary's life was a testament to human determination and adventure. From scaling Mount Everest to his humanitarian efforts in Nepal, his achievements continue to inspire. His partnership with Tenzing Norgay remains one of the most iconic moments in exploration history. Beyond his mountaineering feats, Hillary's dedication to helping the Sherpa community through schools and hospitals showcased his compassion. His story reminds us that greatness isn't just about personal triumphs but also about making a positive impact on others. Hillary's legacy lives on, encouraging future generations to dream big and give back. Whether you're an aspiring adventurer or someone looking to make a difference, Hillary's life offers valuable lessons. His journey proves that with courage and kindness, we can reach new heights and leave the world a better place.