Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has died after complications with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 65, Vulcan Inc confirmed in behalf of Allen’s family.
Vulcan, a company Allen founded to oversee his business activities and philanthropic efforts, published a statement on its website on behalf of Jody Allen, Paul’s sister.
“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,” Jody Allen said.
“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.”
Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, leaving the company in 1983 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Forbes listed Allen as the 21st-richest person in the world with US$20.3 billion as of 15 October.
Through Vulcan, he owned the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers, Stratolaunch Systems, the Allen Institute and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
“All of us who had the honour 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,” Vulcan chief executive Bill Hilf said.
“Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short – and acknowledge the honour it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world.”
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