Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen has died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a type of cancer that originates from the lymphatic system – at the age of 65.
Allen founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in the 1970s, but left the company in 1983 due to the battle with Hodgkin’s disease which he succumbed to on Monday.
In a statement, Gates eulogised Allen as a true friend and partner.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen. 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,” stated Gates.
By the time of his death, Allen had a net worth of $26.1 billion (Ksh2.61 trillion), according to Bloomberg data.
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In 1997, Allen co-founded Vulcan Productions with his sister, Jody, who is a film-maker.
Allen’s creativity also transferred to the music industry where he released an album with his band the Underthinkers in 2013. Their debut blues-rock album, “Everywhere at Once,” features Allen’s electric guitar on several songs including “Straw Into Gold,” “Six Strings From Hell” and “Pictures of a Dream.” He also took the guitar solos on “Down Low” and “Big Blue Raindrops.”
Jody Allen said in a statement on behalf of the Allen family that he 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,” read the family statement in part.
Other technologists who eulogised fallen Allen include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.
Statement from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the passing of Paul Allen: pic.twitter.com/1iLDLenLKz
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) October 15, 2018
And last Paul told me for years that I should own an nba team. He used to yell at me “steve, you got to do it, it will fire you up”. That too changed my life for the better @LAClippers
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) October 16, 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
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
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