Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen Passes Away at 65

Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul Allen, has passed away on late Monday night. He was 65.

The announcement of Allen’s passing was made by his company, Vulcan, Inc late in the evening. Allen, along with Bill Gates, helped found one of the largest and most influential companies on the planet back in 1975. Unfortunately, Allen would leave Microsoft just eight years after the debut of the company, as he was battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Allen began treatment for the disease and it went into remission, but just recently Allen confirmed he was back undergoing treatment.

Allen’s philanthropic contributions “exceed $2 billion”, which covered a wide gamut of causes, including homelessness, environmental issues, and much more. Allen was also the owner of the Seattle Seahawks professional football team.

Allen is being remembered across the globe following his passing, including from Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, who said, “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.”

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

The outreach by those who are remembering Allen tonight include Microsoft’s current CEO, Satya Nadella, who said, in part, “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.”

“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 at Microsoft. Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”

Our Take

This is incredibly sad news. There isn’t much else to say, other than Allen will be remembered fondly.

Like this post? Share it!