Federated Farmers Bees today paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, a humble beekeeper who went on to achieve great things.

Sir Edmund Hillary.

“Beekeepers have always been proud to count Sir Edmund Hillary as one of their own. He described himself as an average New Zealander but was an inspiration to us all.” said chair of Federated Farmers Bees John Hartnell.

“Sir Edmund Hillary began life following in his father’s footsteps as a beekeeper and funded his early climbing expeditions from his living collecting honey.

“Today we remember a wonderful life, Sir Edmund’s achievements will live on. Our condolences go to his family and close friends at this time,” Mr Hartnell said.

Meanwhile, Members of the National Beekeepers’ Association remembered Sir Edmund Hillary as the south Auckland beekeeper who reached the top of the World. On its website, the association said, “After his Everest achievement, life was never the same for Sir Edmund who went on to build his reputation further, especially with building schools and hospitals in Nepal and his further adventures.”

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