Edmund Hillary, Legendary Climber and Philanthropist, Dies at 88

Sir Edmund Hillary died on Friday, leaving behind a legacy not only as a mountain climber but also as a dedicated philanthropist, says the Associated Press.

Sir Edmund, who will receive a state funeral in his home country of New Zealand, spent the decades after his first climb up Mount Everest helping the people of Nepal raise money to build hospitals, health clinics, airfields, and schools.

In 1962, Sir Edmund established the Himalayan Trust and spent the following decades and working with the Nepalese to build institutions, raise money for higher education for Sherpa families, and help set up reforestation programs.

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