Newspaper Article 2013 – Memorial for Bay climber

Memorial for Bay climber

A memorial service is expected to be held in Hastings for Mt Everest-conquering expedition climber George Lowe, who died in England last week.

Born and raised in Hastings and aged 89 when he died, Lowe’s funeral will be held on April 8 in Derby, England, but brother Reuben, who lives in Hastings, said widow Mary Lowe is keen for a memorial service to be held in Hawke’s Bay at a later date.

A member of the Hunt expedition which on May 29, 1953, led to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay becoming the first climbers to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, George Lowe was one of eight children of Stortford Lodge orchardists Archie and Teenie Lowe.

Only one has not reached the age of 80, said 87-year-old Reuben Lowe, one of three surviving members of his generation of the family. Reuben Lowe said it was hoped one of his brother’s three sons would be able to attend a service in Hastings. The sons are Gavin, in the Cayman Islands, Bruce, who lives in Sydney, and Matthew, who lives in the US.

Photo caption – RELAXED: A moment of relaxation and merriment in the Himalayas as George Lowe sends messages of apparently no serious intent while Sir Edmund Hillary enjoys the situation.