i was just 12 years old when Sir Edmund and Tenzing were the first to conquer Everest. Being from Venezuela I had no real conception of what the ttile "Sir" really meant but from the perspective of 50+ years, I think Sir Edmund (like Sir Winston) were intrumental in my understanding of this British tradition. With all due respect to Her Majesty, I wish there weren´t so many sporting the title these days that are nowhere near as deserving as two of my greatest heroes.

abel marquez, El Junquito, Venezuela

I knew Ed Hillary when he and his family were living in Tuakau beekeeping. He was a few years ahead of me at Tuakau Primary School. I am very deeply saddened by the loss of a truly outstanding human being. Who would ever have thought a man of such humble beginnings could have risen to such heights. Ed Hillary is a man of whom all New Zealanders can be proud not only because of his sporting prowess but more because of how he lived after Everest. His achievements in building schools, hospitals, clinics, roads and bridges in Nepal are truly amazing and inspirational. Also that he continued in this work even after the tragic death of his beloved wife and daughter in Nepal. Ed used his fame from Everest as a springboard not for himself or to feed his ego but to help thousands and thousands of others. His is an example many of today’s so called sporting celebrities might do well to reflect on. Ed became and then lived as a true hero and he was a damn good Kiwi bloke to boot.

Mark Elliott, Birmingham, UK

I recall Coronation morning very well; I wasn't quite eight years old and like all the other kids in our district, already very excited. On the morning, my Mother switched on the wireless in the kitchen, whilst my Father was inthe bathroom. Suddenly, she called up to my Father 'They've conquered Everest; they put up a Union Jack but the wind ripped it to shreds!' I knew that it was an important moment inhistory, although I didn't know why. A few days later at school, we all wanted to be Edmund Hillary in the playground.

C W Hamblin, Hove, Sussex

I met Sir Edmund Hillary when visiting a winery in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. It was about 1957, he was going into the winery with a lady (probably his wife) and I was coming out. I asked him if he was Edmund Hillary and when he said yes I asked him if he would let me take his picture. He agreed and posed for me and I took a picture and thanked him. He was very charming and patient.

What a moment for me and what an honour to have spoken to such a great man!

Brian Edgill

Brian Edgill, Forest Row, UK

Sir 'Ed' was my inspiration from childhood that led me to start climbing at age 16 way back in 1962.
I became an Instructor and hope that through my efforts the young people I instucted have continued to enjoy the mountains of Scotland as I still do.
The World needs a lot more folk like Sir Edmund.
Stephen Barr

Stephen Barr, Falkirk, Scotland

With respect Daniel, according to Sir Peter, he was first on the peak, with Tensing roped behind him. This account comes from the great man himself. Since you were not personally there as a witness to record the moment, I accept his version.

Southern Cross, Brisbane, Australia

What a wonderful man Sir Ed became. Conquering Everest was only the first of his truly great achievements.

At the age of 6 I had the privilege of meeting Sir Edmund when he came to speak at the British school I was attending near Malacca, in Malaya. He brought his own slides from the expedition and captured the imagination of all the children there. What a great memory for me. Vale Sir Edmund Hillary!

Bill Sullivan, Sydney, Australia

It should be noted for the record that the Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was actually the first human to get to the summit of that mountain and he assisted Sir Edmund to get there with him.
With all due respect to both of them.
Meade on Thames

Daniel Meade, Halifax, Nova Scotia

For me Sir Edmund Hillary's climb of Everest heralded the modern age. The day he climbed Everest was the day I first saw a TV.

The Queen's Coronation was to be broadcast live and families gathered with richer friends to watch it on their new 14" TV's - a bit like the World Cup final now and Neil Armstrong's moon walk.

But I also remember that in the morning the BBC Home Service reported the ascent of Everest and these two things are forever linked for me.

Technology and immense bravery all in one day.

David, Dubai, UAE

Vale Sir Edmund. A great innings and an inspiration to us all.

The measure of his greatness is what he achieved after his famous ascent.

richard, bangkok,

I'm certain Sir Edmund would have approved of the epitaph - "God save the Queen"

May he rest in peace.

C Markus, Alcatraz - Leper colony, United States

It's a sad day, as a fellow New Zealander, we all feel your loss today.
Sir Ed... we grew with your inspiration, courage and humility.
Your legacy is ingrained in us all, and will be kept alive and continued in this country.
Thank you.
'Salute' ~Michele

Michele, Ak, New Zealand

A very straight arrow. One is heartened by his simple philosophy of life: "Adventuring can be for the ordinary person with ordinary qualities, such as I regard myself ... nothing venture, nothing win."

Stephen Lloyd, Auckland, New Zealand

Rest in peace Sir Edmund. See you on the other side of the mountain.

Daniel, Los Angeles, USA

My thoughts are with Sir Edmunds family. May this great man rest in peace.

Steve Blethyn, Reading, Berks

There are many reasons to be proud of being a Kiwi, and Sir Ed was one of them. Unassuming, down to earth, and dedicated to helping the Nepalese improve their lives while also contributing to NZ charities as well. Too often now children idolise Z list 'celebrities', but this man was a true hero, both for his spirit for adventure, and his spirit for humanity. New Zealand shares Sir Ed's family's loss.

Liza, London, UK

The passing of a legend - what a great man - a role model for our and feature generations not just because of his adventurous and pioneering spirit but because of his humble generosity and philanthropy, his ability to battle and win over terrible adversity and his because his spirit transcended the rest of us mortals. New Zealand's greatest icon, but the world's loss and heaven's gain!

Rest in peace you giant of a man!!

dave, adelaide, australia

A wonderful man and a great New Zealander, I am sure tha all New Zealanders living abroad as well as many in India and Nepal who benefitted from his hospitals and schools, will be grieved at this news.

Anthony Burn, London, UK

A life lived to the full, Sir Ed will be mourned for his death but celebrated for all he acheived. Godspeed on the final ascent, Ed.

Joe Hoye, York.,