Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies at 65

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has died after a long batter with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 65.

Allen was a childhood friend of Bill Gates, and the two of them founded Microsoft back in 1975.

Though Allen left Microsoft in 1983, his contributions to personal computer technology were revolutionary, and many consider him a great visionary for his investments and donations over the years.

He founded multiple research companies for science, biology and technology, including Vulcan Inc. which confirmed Allen’s passing in an official statement.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our founder Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts,” the company said.

Many celebrities and admirers took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news.

Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Allen, who was a strong advocate for environmental protection. He and the team at Vulcan played a pivotal role in developing the Shark Conservation Fund alongside LDF. His legacy lives on via his incredible work as a philanthropist and investor.

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) October 16, 2018

As a Kenyan I forever will live to remember your elephant saving project Domain Awareness System (DAS) RIP Paul Allen.. Thank you for your immeasurable contributions to the African community and beyond…

— Kev Ryn🇰🇪🇰🇪 (@TheDukeofIngo) October 16, 2018

Paul Allen and Bill Gates, Lakeside School, 1970 pic.twitter.com/vWFnUi9cq0

— Scott Galloway (@profgalloway) October 16, 2018

Sleep well Paul Allen pic.twitter.com/9rV3B3qLLw

— Sarah Owembabazi 🇺🇬 (@SarahOwembabazi) October 16, 2018

On days like this I want to be profound… but the reality is we should all live our lives to make the world a better place— that is what Paul Allen did. We all may never see his monetary successes but we can all lead with our hearts and try to make this world a better place. RIP

— Angie Mentink (@AngieMentink) October 16, 2018

Though Bill Gates has not made any public comments on his blog or social media sites, he did give a statement in the Washington Post calling Allen his “oldest and dearest friend”.

“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,” Gates said.

Feature image: supplied, David Patton/Vulcan Inc