Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander who, with Tenzing Norgay of Nepal, first summited Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, died today at the age of 88. (His death will be recorded as January 11, 2008 due to the International Date Line.) For anyone who has enjoyed a panoramic view and thrill of accomplishment after ascending a mountain, a hill, or even a flight of stairs, Hillary and Norgay were the heroes.

Rest in Peace, Sir Ed.