Sir Edmund Hillary Dead

One of New Zealand's greatest men has passed away today, at the grand old age of 88. He was a great hero of achievement, being the first man ever to climb mount Everest. He was in Auckland hospital when he died, after a heart attack, and had been unwell for several weeks. This short, sharp and frank quote sums up his attitude toward life and achievement brilliantly:

"Well, George, we knocked the bastard off."

A great hero, indeed.