Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft, has died aged 65 from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had revealed the disease’s return only two weeks ago, after previously being treated for it in 2009. He had said he and his doctors were “optimistic” about treatment. He was an investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist who influenced many aspects of modern life — from technology and science to sports and music.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, like the less-common Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer of the lymphatic system. “My brother was a remarkable individual on every level,” Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, said in a statement on behalf of his family. “He was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.”
Allen founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, several years after the two met as fellow students at a private school in Seattle. Allen left the company in 1982 after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen,” Microsoft founder Bill Gates said in a statement Monday. “Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called Allen’s contributions “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,” Nadella added.
Allen didn’t slow down after leaving Microsoft. He stayed on the company’s board of directors for several years while establishing his own philanthropic foundation, along with Vulcan, his investment firm.
Twitter Reactions to Paul Allen’s Death
Bill Gates' statement on the death of fellow Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen: "He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come." https://t.co/KFjqoLogVf pic.twitter.com/8SjqAHlPHZ
— ABC News (@ABC) October 16, 2018
We lost a great technology pioneer today – thank you Paul Allen for your immense contributions to the world through your work and your philanthropy. Thoughts are with his family and the entire Microsoft community.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 15, 2018
So sad to hear about the passing of Paul Allen. Among many other things he was a pioneer of commercial space travel. We shared a belief that by exploring space in new ways we can improve life on Earth. All our thoughts are with his loved ones.
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) October 15, 2018
Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Allen, who was a strong advocate for environmental protection. He and the team at Vulcan played a pivotal role in developing the Shark Conservation Fund alongside LDF. His legacy lives on via his incredible work as a philanthropist and investor.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) October 16, 2018
We're saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Allen, a scientific pioneer and longtime TED community member. He will be missed. https://t.co/DweIqgxYLg
— TED Talks (@TEDTalks) October 16, 2018
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. https://t.co/OMLZ7ivvSD pic.twitter.com/Bfa8kK6Q8e
— Vulcan Inc. (@VulcanInc) October 15, 2018
We miss you.
We thank you.
We love you. pic.twitter.com/rxkn1IjJ0R— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 15, 2018
