14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen died today at the age of 65. He was undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma after previously defeating cancer back in 2009.
Earlier this month, however, Allen revealed that the disease went into remission, but no details were shared as to how critical his condition was at that point.
Paul Allen founded Microsoft together with Bill Gates in 1975, deciding to leave the company no less than eight years later, in the meantime serving as a board member. He was one of Bill Gates’ closest friends during childhood, and later became one of the world’s leading philanthropists of the last decades.
Gates: I’m heartbroken
Tech leaders expressed their condolences following the news of Paul Allen passing away, and Bill Gates said he was heartbroken. Here’s Bill Gates’ statement in full:
“From our early days together at Lakeside School, through our partnership in the creation of Microsoft, to some of our joint philanthropic projects over the years, Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him.
But Paul wasn’t content with starting one company. Hechannelled his intellect and compassion into a second act focused on improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle and around the world. He was fond of saying, “If it has the potential to do good, then we should do it.” That’s the king of person he was.
Paul loved life and those around him, and we all cherished him in return. He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come. I will miss him tremendously.”
Current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also released a statement to praise Paul Allen for the work he did in the early days at Microsoft:
“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 as Microsoft. Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook released a statement on Twitter and emphasized that Paul Allen was a pioneer of the technology world:
“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.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO at Google, expressed his condolences on Twitter as well, once again highlighting the tremendous role Paul Allen played for the tech industry:
“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.”