Like losing one of the family, says former mayor

"It almost feels like I have lost one of my own family - oh my God, there was a New Zealander."
A moving tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary was delivered yesterday by former Tauranga Mayor Noel Pope.
The Bay of Plenty Times spoke to an emotional Mr Pope only minutes after he had heard the news about Sir Edmund's death.
"I am feeling quite sad, and I only met him once."
Mr Pope chatted with the conqueror of Everest at the opening of the Otumoetai Primary School hall in 2000, and came away with his opinions of the great New Zealander confirmed.
"He was absolutely down to earth - no airs or graces. He was an extremely impressive fellow, an example to us all."
Mr Pope said "Sir Ed" had a common touch and never lost this quality.
"He has been a part of our lives - it almost feels like I have lost one of my family.
"He will be remembered for the good things that humanity can bring. He was never impersonal.
"If we could just follow him, we would be a hell of a better world, let alone a better nation. We would be the top of the mountain as a nation."