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Condolence books for people to pay tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary have been opened throughout New Zealand ahead of his funeral next Tuesday.
In Sir Edmund's home city of Auckland two books have been opened - one at the Auckland Town Hall and the other at the Holy
Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.
As of this afternoon, about 75 people had signed the book at the town hall and Cathedral staff reported a busy morning.
Some of those leaving messages for Sir Edmund's family talked to nzherald.co.nz about what Sir Edmund meant to them.
Frankie McCord, Remuera
Frankie McCord remembers seeing Sir Edmund on the streets near his home.
"When I gave him a smile, he'd always smile back." She said Sir Edmund was a true New Zealander and "the success didn't go to his head".
Helen Holder, Epsom
Helen Holder said Sir Edmund was a great man and "one of us". "He's done some amazing work for the people of Nepal and even with his age, he still went back there. It was a great strain on his body and he was so dedicated."
Prateek Vasisht, West Auckland
Prateek Vasisht said Sir Edmund lives up to the advertised image of New Zealand. Originally from India, Mr Vasisht said Sir Edmund obviously respected the Himalayas, an area of the world important to his culture.
Catherine Purdie, Mt Wellington
Catherine Purdie said Sir Edmund is part of her childhood. "He was not arrogant, just a good man. He was humble and he cared about people which is a value too often forgotten. We've lost someone that can't be replaced."
Ashok Morgan, Te Atatu
Ashok Morgan is in the cartography business and said he has always had Sir Edmund's assent map of Everest on his wall as an inspiration.
"He had issues. He had to go back but he kept going - his journey was much like life."
Ken Almao, Grey Lynn
Ken Almao said Sir Edmund achieved on the world stage and will be remembered for years to come. "His modesty, he was very accessible to the public."
Mary Brothers, Algies Bay
Mary Brothers said Sir Edmund is a great role model for the youth of New Zealand. "When you see the youth of today, running around killing themselves."
