Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen passed away today at the age of 65 after revealing earlier this month that he was being treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The tech pioneer and incredible investor and philanthropist is being remembered across the world this evening. The announcement was made by Allen’s company Vulcan Inc.
Allen cofounded Microsoft in 1975 with Bill Gates. Allen left the company just 8 years later while being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, though he remained a board member through 2000. In 2009, Allen began treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and it subsequently went into remission. Just two weeks ago, however, Allen said he was again undergoing treatment for the cancer.
Apple CEO Tim Cook shared his condolences on Twitter this evening, saying the tech industry “lost a pioneer” while the world lost a “force for good.”
“Our industry has lost a pioneer and our world has lost a force for good. We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s friends, the Allen family and everyone at Microsoft.”
Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, said his family remembers him as a “much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.”
“My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. 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 was also the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver this evening crediting him with helping “lay the foundation for the league’s growth internationally and our embrace new technologies.”
Likewise, Allen owned the Seattle Seahawks, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he pushed for making the games safer and preventing players from unnecessary risk (via ESPN):
“He worked tirelessly alongside our medical advisers to identify new ways to make the game safer and protect our players from unnecessary risk. I personally valued Paul’s advice on subjects ranging from collective bargaining to bringing technology to our game. Our league is better for Paul Allen having been a part of it and the entire NFL sends its deepest condolences to Paul’s family and to the Seahawks organization.”
Current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement that Allen’s contributions to society and Microsoft are “indispensable.”
“Paul Allen’s contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable. As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world. I have learned so much from him – his inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft. Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
According to his website, Allen’s “philanthropic contributions exceed $2 billion,” ranging from environmental causes, to homelessness, machine learning, and much more.
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