OUR BOARD

PATRON
The Honourable
Lincoln M. Alexander
P.C., C.C., K.S.T.J.,
O.ONT.C.D., B.A., LL.B., Q.C.

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W.F. (Zeke) O'Connor

ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robert Kolbuc

OFFICERS
Karen O'Connor, President
Rudi R. Vezér, Secretary
C. Ashley Whicher, Vice President and Treasurer
Dr. Robert Zimmerman, Senior Medical Officer

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
Dr. Joan Ford
Peter W. Webster

DIRECTORS
Philip Crawley
Peter Hillary
Cathy McConnell
Nima McElhinney
Karen O'Connor
Herb Paterson
C. Richard Sharpe
Byron Smith
Rudi R. Vezér
Lynda Visosky
C. Ashley Whicher
Dr. Robert Zimmerman

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Barbara Anderson
Brian Baxter
Michael Benton
Lynn Hurley
Edward Lorriman

__________________

* Photo of the late
Sir Edmund Hillary by
Pat and Rosemarie Keough

It was two years ago on January 11, 2008 that Sir Edmund Hillary died. Sir Edmund was admired as a World Famous Mountaineer, Explorer, Diplomat, Humanitarian and Environmentalist, yet to many of us who knew him well; it was his friendship and dedication to the Sherpa people of the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, that we admired most.

Sir Ed led a good and full life, not only helping his own causes but others too. He was deeply involved with UNICEF and was their representative to the “Children of the Himalayans”. He was Honourary President of the Explorers Club, (New York).

He rose from being a humble New Zealand Beekeeper to a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a High Commissioner for his country and a well respected, knowledgeable human being in many other areas including world environment. His decorations and citations include;

• Order of New Zealand
• Founders medal of the Royal Geographical Society
• Hubbard Medal of the National Geographical Society
• Polar Medal
• Commander Merite et Sportif
• Star of Nepal (1st Class)

It is with deep grief that we, his close friends reflect on his passing with one thankful thought: having had him as a close confident and friend for 35 years.

I ask all who read this article, to join us in honouring Sir Edmund who did so much for his fellow man. Sir Ed, we salute you and restate our promise to keep helping the Sherpa people in Nepal. We made this promise to you those 35years ago, when you asked us to help you, help the Sherpas.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all Canadians

W. (Zeke) O'Connor Founder and Executive Director

Karen O'Connor President

“I HAVE HAD THE WORLD LIE BENEATH MY CLUMSY BOOTS AND SAW THE RED SUN SLIP OVER THE HORIZON, AFTER THE DARK ANTARCTIC WINTER. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN MORE THAN MY SHARE OF EXCITEMENT, BEAUTY, LAUGHTER AND FRIENDSHIP. EACH OF US HAD TO DISCOVER HIS OWN PATH OF THAT I AM SURE. SOME PATHS WILL BE SPECTACULAR AND OTHERS PEACEFUL AND QUIET. WHO IS TO SAY WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT? FOR ME THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN TO THE GREAT MOMENTS FOR WHAT CAN SURPASS A TEAR ON YOUR DEPARTURE, JOY ON YOUR RETURN, OR A TRUSTING HAND IN YOURS?"

SIR EDMUND HILLARY

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