Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, passed away Monday. He was 65.
His death was confirmed by a statement from his company, Vulcan Inc, reports CNBC, and was the result of complications stemming from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Allen’s sister, Jody Allen, released the following statement:
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.
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.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella issued a statement this afternoon, lauding Allen’s accomplishments and noting that “[our] hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones.”
Statement from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the passing of Paul Allen: pic.twitter.com/1iLDLenLKz
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) October 15, 2018
Allen founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. He owned an NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.
Allen’s 2011 memoir, Idea Man, recounted the early days at Microsoft and, according to Allen, the working relationship he had with Gates. He elaborated on that relationship in an interview with the Guardian.
“During the founding first eight years my ideas were definitely key to the company,” Allen is quoted as explaining. “When it came to selling and marketing and staffing and all those kinds of things, [Gates] was much more excited on the business side, so we became very complementary.”