Paul Allen, the multi-billionaire who co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates in 1975, died on Monday afternoon at his home in Seattle.
He was 65 years old.
Allen, who was worth around $ 20 billion around the time of his passing, lost his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a disease he announced had returned two weeks ago.
“Some personal news: Recently, I learned the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma I battled in 2009 has returned,” Allen Tweeted on October 1, addingat the time:
“I’ve begun treatment & my doctors are optimistic that I will see a good result. Appreciate the support I’ve received & count on it as I fight this challenge.”
The wildly successful businessman’s Vulcan Inc. confirmed the sad news today, writing on Twitter:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of @PaulGAllen, our founder and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts.
All of us who worked with Paul feel an inexpressible loss today.
Allen’s sister, Jody, also released a statement.
She said Paul was “a remarkable individual on every level,” adding in full:
While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.
Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern.
For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends.
At this time of loss and grief for us – and so many others – we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day.
Allen and Gates were both college dropouts.
They came up with the idea for Microsoft in Albuquerque, designing software together for the nascient personal computer revolution.
Microsoft moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1983 and resigned shortly thereafter, but still was an active member of the board until the year 2000.
Allen was also a prominent figure in the professional sports world.
He had owned the Seattle Seahawks since 1997 and the Portland Trail Blazers since 1988. He was also the co-owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders FC.
Over the years, Allen donated over $ 2 billion to charity.
He was never married and left behind no children.
Said Vulcan CEO, Bill Hilf, of Allen:
“All of us who had the honor of working with Paul feel inexpressible loss today.
“He possessed a remarkable intellect and a passion to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems, with the conviction that creative thinking and new approaches could make profound and lasting impact.
“Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short – and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world.”
May Paul Allen rest in peace.
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