Edmund Hillary Bio (Biography)
Real name:
Edmund Percival Hillary
Date of birth:
July 20. 1919
Place of birth:
Tuakau, Auckland, New Zealand
Astrology Sign:
Cancer
Tags:
Biography
Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was born in July of 1919 in New Zealand and later became one of the first people, along with his Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 19th, 1953. However, his journey into history began at a much earlier age.
When Hillary attended Auckland Grammar School the trip to school took four hours a day round trip. Hillary used this time to reading adventure books. At sixteen his school took a trip to Ruapehu, which ultimately led to his interest in climbing. He discovered that even though he was uncoordinated and gangly in appearance, he was physically stronger and could endure longer than many of his larger classmates. In 1939 he reached the summit of Mount Olivier in the Southern Alps, completing his first major climb. After school Hillary pursued a career in beekeeping. Because beekeeping is a seasonal vocation, Hillary was able to climb in the off-season.
After completing his famous climb, Hillary has been recognized for his deeds, chief among them was being knighted into the Order of the British Empire in 1953. Since then he has also been knighted into the Order of New Zealand in 1987 and the Order of the Garter in 1995. He is also the only living New Zealander to appear on a banknote, as well as have numerous streets, schools, and organizations named after him. To mark the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Everest, the Nepalese government bestowed him with an honorary citizenship at the Golden Jubilee celebration. Hillary was the first foreign national to receive such an honor from the Nepalese government.
Since making that historic climb, Hillary has devoted much of his life to attending to the Sherpa people in Nepal. He was able to do this through the founding of the Himalayan Trust. Through this and more efforts he has built many schools and hospitals in this remote area. In addition to his foundation, Hillary is also the Honorary President of the American Himalayan Foundation. This United States non-profit organization helps improve the ecology and living conditions in the Himalayas. Hillary has often remarked that his considers this work to be among his most important achievement.
When Hillary attended Auckland Grammar School the trip to school took four hours a day round trip. Hillary used this time to reading adventure books. At sixteen his school took a trip to Ruapehu, which ultimately led to his interest in climbing. He discovered that even though he was uncoordinated and gangly in appearance, he was physically stronger and could endure longer than many of his larger classmates. In 1939 he reached the summit of Mount Olivier in the Southern Alps, completing his first major climb. After school Hillary pursued a career in beekeeping. Because beekeeping is a seasonal vocation, Hillary was able to climb in the off-season.
After completing his famous climb, Hillary has been recognized for his deeds, chief among them was being knighted into the Order of the British Empire in 1953. Since then he has also been knighted into the Order of New Zealand in 1987 and the Order of the Garter in 1995. He is also the only living New Zealander to appear on a banknote, as well as have numerous streets, schools, and organizations named after him. To mark the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Everest, the Nepalese government bestowed him with an honorary citizenship at the Golden Jubilee celebration. Hillary was the first foreign national to receive such an honor from the Nepalese government.
Since making that historic climb, Hillary has devoted much of his life to attending to the Sherpa people in Nepal. He was able to do this through the founding of the Himalayan Trust. Through this and more efforts he has built many schools and hospitals in this remote area. In addition to his foundation, Hillary is also the Honorary President of the American Himalayan Foundation. This United States non-profit organization helps improve the ecology and living conditions in the Himalayas. Hillary has often remarked that his considers this work to be among his most important achievement.