Sir Edmund Hillary, 83, smiles in front of a giant picture of Mount Everest at the Birendra International Convention Centre in Katmandu May 29, 2003. State funeral for Sir Ed in 10 days
Jan 12, 2008
For the first time since her husband's death, Lady Hillary publicly emerged from the couple's home on Saturday afternoon to an emotional embrace with the prime minister.
Helen Clark, who had just arrived home from overseas, said that delivering what she called "big hugs" to Sir Edmond's widow had been a top priority. The two then slipped back inside, away from the large media contingent, to share their grief privately and talk about funeral arrangements.
Clark says the State funeral will likely be held Tuesday week.
"That gives time for family members to be here and it's likely that that will be preceded by a lying in state of Sir Edmund's casket so that members of the public can pay their respects," says Clark.
The funeral is expected to take place at St Mary's Anglican Church in Parnell, Auckland, and the public will be able to view the service on big screen in the neighbouring cathedral.
Clark says that despite Sir Ed's popularity, it is important to respect his family's wishes.
"It's a lot for the people and Lady Hillary is very conscious of people of the local communities of sherpa people and Indian people who also revered Sir Ed - so she is looking for a way where we can be inclusive but also respect the family's wishes."
While Sir Ed may have considered himself an ordinary Kiwi, State funerals are a rarity - the last was for the Unknown Warrior who was brought home from France in 2004.
"Sir Ed was an extraordinary New Zealander...he has had an extraordinary status here and extraordinary status internationally, and the State funeral is in keeping with that" says Clark.
Among the dignitaries, there has also been a steady flow of mourners to Hillary's home with members of the public dropping off flowers and saying their prayers for the man they admired.
Achievements Clark says Hillary was the country's best known New Zealander, and for good reason.
Not only did Sir Ed conquer the highest peak in the world, in 1958 he led a Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic team to another adventuring first.
On Ferguson tractors Sir Ed and his team drove overland to the South Pole.
He maintained his relationship with the icy continent and was largely responsible for the creation of Scott Base.
A memorial service will be held at Scott base on Sunday, where the New Zealand flag has been flying at half mast since news of his death reached the base.
Word of Sir Ed's death is also percolating across India and Nepal, where it is expected to cause great sadness.
Sir Ed was a great humanitarian who through his Himalayan Trust helped to improve the health and educational conditions of the Nepalese people. And he was New Zealand's High Commissioner to India from 1985 until 1989.
NZ High Commissioner to India and Nepal Rupert Holborow says flags are at half mast and books of condolence have been opened.
He says there will be a considerable response over the coming days and he is talking with both governments about how they will pay tribute to Sir Ed.
Share your thoughts and feelings about the passing of this great New Zealander on our message board. ONE News will compile your comments into a book of remembrance which will be presented to his family.
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