A single chair sits in a fittingly quiet but obvious place for mourners to take a moment and reflect on the man many call our biggest hero.
Masterton conservationist and district councillor Chris Peterson was one of more than 20 to sign the condolence book at Masterton Library only an hour
after its arrival.
Having biked to the Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side some years ago, Mr Peterson spoke warmly of the people he met on his travels and the adversity Sir Edmund would have faced in reaching his feat.
"We got to the base camp on bikes and that was effort enough but that was where the real hard work started for Hillary.
"It just doesn't compare with all the GPS and cell phones these days," he said.
"There really isn't any man-alone stuff anymore."
Mr Peterson went to the Masterton Town Hall to hear Sir Ed speak a few years ago and describes his "humanity and humility" as second to none.
"I was incredibly sad when I heard he had passed away and when you read all the things written about him you realise how rounded a person he was.
"He was so unassuming and that's probably the New Zealand trait he exemplified most."
A condolence book is also available to be signed at Carterton Library and books will be available at Featherston, Martinborough and Greytown libraries by tomorrow.
Condolence books from all five towns will be sent to Sir Edmund's family in Auckland at the end of the week.
