KEY POINTS:
The world of mountain climbers, adventurers and ordinary people awoke to the sad news that pioneering climber Sir Edmund Hillary had died.
But only hours after the news had been released, enthusiast internet forums and blogs came alive with tributes to the great man.
From the forums:
"Just heard it on the radio. The first to really soar into the clouds on his feet. What a story he gave us." - RedDoug
"I remember being totally fascinated with his story in grade school. He spent a big part of his life trying to do good for others." - big_load
"The world has lost a good man." - uinta28
"May Edmund rest in peace. Although otherwise humble Ed was an atheist, his time was well spent and he tried to do good in the world after the world came to his door. His achievement reaching the highest pinnacle of land on our planet with Tenzing Norgay in 1953 was an absolutely huge news event that had the whole world enthralled and talking for many months.
"I well remember watching television subsequent documentary accounts of the climb for some time&can almost hear the sound of Walter Chronkite's voice booming with enthusiasm. Although quite a lot of people had reached the summit since then, if they removed all the guiding, fixed ropes, ladders, already set up tents, supplies, and all, very few would ever reach the summit much like is still the case with some of the other big Himalaya peaks like K2.' - Dave Senesac
"A childhood hero of mine, not only did he climb the rock, he then helped the region, communities and people of the area with his charities." - Lorax
"Those guys had serious stones. We run out to shopping malls wearing stuff that they couldn't even have dreamed of: GoreTex, Velcro, etc. They had wool, and leather boots with nails pounded through the soles." - Sherman Homan
"Farewell to a great man indeed. RIP Sir Edmund".- qazwsxokmijn
"RIP. Your contribution to mountaineering was great, and you inspired many people (myself included). Godspeed." - Diggler
"It's sad, but not tragic. A full life well lived, we should all be so fortunate." - Off White
And from the blogs:
Kiwi Blog: RIP Sir Edmund Hillary
"His passing will be mourned around the world. He is unique in being the only Knight of the Garter, which is given at the personal discretion of the Queen and limited to 20 worldwide, who was not awarded it for government or royal service.
"I expect his funeral service will be the largest NZ has seen in modern times. A giant has truly fallen."
Mauricio Freitas: RIP Sir Edmund Hillary
"Who, besides the Queen, would be of such a character as to figure in the national currency (the NZ$5 note)? It is a sad day."
Wine Geek: Sir Edmund Hillary dies RIP
What a legend, love and respect goes to one of our greatest. Only he could describe himself like this 'I'm an average New Zealander with modest abilities' that's a Tui if I've ever heard one.
Backcountry Blog: Sir Edmund Hillary dies at 88
"Thanks for the dreams of Everest and for being more than just a climber. RIP"
