Microsoft co-founder passes away at 65 after battling cancer

It’s a sad time for Microsoft as its co-founder Paul Allen passed away at the age of 65 on Monday, after fighting cancer.

Microsoft announced yesterday via its blog post that its co-founder Paul Allen, ‘a renowned philanthropist and business leader’ passed away yesterday on Monday, October 15, after battling cancer.

The 65-year-old leader who founded the company over four decades ago died because of complications in a form of cancer known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma he was suffering with, as confirmed by Vulcan Inc. on behalf of Allen’s family, Vulcan Inc. and the Paul G. Allen Network, wrote Microsoft.

Allen was battling cancer for years before receiving treatment and brushing off the disease in 2009, until October 1, 2018 when he announced that his disease had returned.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his sorrows for the loss stating that Allen was a great impact on technology and much more. He stated, “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 are 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.”

As per Mashable, at the age of 22, Allen founded Microsoft together with Bill Gates in 1975. Allen also owned an NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. In 2011, he also wrote a memoir named ‘Idea Man’ in which he recounted the early days at Microsoft and his relationship with Gates. He even founded Allen Institutes for Artificial Intelligence, Brain Science and Cell Science, among many other efforts.

People from all across the world and big names like Bill Gates, Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos and Sundar Pichai among other poured in their regards for the deceased.

New: @BillGates statement on the passing of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen: "I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen." pic.twitter.com/VMm4vPbglC

— Cristiano Lima (@viaCristiano) 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

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

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