It’s a sad day for the tech world as Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen dies in Seattle at age 65.
According to a statement released by Allen Vulcan’s Inc, the philanthropist and technologist died from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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
The late Paul Allen’s death comes almost two weeks after he announced his battle with the disease and announced that he was receiving treatment.
Some personal news: Recently, I learned the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma I battled in 2009 has returned. 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. https://t.co/ZolxS8lni5
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) October 1, 2018
The technologist seemed hopeful that he would defeat the disease that had recurred after nine years.
Paul Allen who was ranked 44th on the 2018 Forbes list of billionaires with a net worth of about 20 billion US Dollars was a philanthropist who donated more than 2 billion US Dollars to charity. He supported research om artificial intelligence and new frontier technologies.
Paul Allen co-founded the American multinational technology company Microsoft in 1975 alongside Bill Gates.
Bill Gates in a statement mourned the death of his friend saying, “I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends.” Allen was also an avid sports fan and went on to buy several sports teams. He was ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of more than $20billion, and dedicated much of his later life to philanthropic work.”
His friends, family and fellow billionaires joined Bill Gates in mourning the death of a man who has left a great legacy in the world of technology.
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
Other tech leaders shared their condolences as they celebrated the life of their colleague and technology pioneer.
Statement from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the passing of Paul Allen: pic.twitter.com/1iLDLenLKz
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) October 15, 2018
Google CEO, Sundar Pichai said that the world has lost a great technology pioneer.
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
Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos:
Very sad to hear of Paul Allen’s passing. His passion for invention and pushing forward inspired so many. He was relentless to the end. My heart goes out to Paul’s family and friends.
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 15, 2018
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.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 15, 2018
Apple CEO Tim Cook referred to him as a “pioneer” and a “force for good.”
The Late Paul Allen also owned two professional sports teams, the NFL Seattle Seahawks and NBA Portland Trailblazers.
Seattle Seahawks Coach, Pete Carroll also joined the world in mourning the Microsoft co-founder saying that his gracious leadership and tremendous inspiration would never be forgotten.
Deeply saddened by the passing of @PaulGAllen. I’ll miss him greatly. His gracious leadership and tremendous inspiration will never be forgotten.
The world is a better place because of Paul’s passion, commitment, and selflessness. His legacy will live on forever.
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) October 15, 2018
The General Manager for the Portland Trail Blazers, Neil Olshey said, “It was an honor and a privilege to know and work for Paul Allen these past six years. He was a man of unparalleled passion, creativity and vision that expected those with whom he surrounded himself to strive for the same standards of excellence he held himself to.”
CEO, Vulcan Sports & Ent., Chris McGowan said in a tweet:
I am so saddened by the tragic news today of Paul’s passing. I was fortunate to get to know him, learn from him and witness all the passion he put into making our world a better place. I will miss him dearly. Thanks for all that you gave. Rest in Peace Paul Allen. pic.twitter.com/8n2VNyz4cP
— Chris McGowan (@ChrisDMcGowan) October 15, 2018
The Trailblazers family also poured out their hearts remembering the fallen Paul Allen.
Mr. Allen, thank you. A brilliant mind, a giving heart and an unforgettable legacy. Thoughts and prayers to your friends and family. May you Rest In Peace. It was an honor knowing you. pic.twitter.com/n8QL0r2W4W
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) October 15, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-IhNYhhFr/?taken-by=evanturner
We miss you.
We thank you.
We love you. pic.twitter.com/rxkn1IjJ0R— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 15, 2018
According to sources, Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen left the company after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. May his soul rest in peace and his legacy live forever.