Last night the tech world suffered the loss of a great man, a man who helped revolutionalize the technological landscape. Paul Allen, Co-founder of Microsoft is dead. According to CNBC, the Seattle billionaire died from complication from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-cancer that originates in your lymphatic system which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
Paul who started Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975 was well respected in the tech world for his innovative mind and calm disposition. With several businesses, Paul was able to affect the lives of so many people. He was a known philanthropist contributing more than $2 billion to various causes, such as education, wildlife and environmental preservation, healthcare etc.
Paul’s friend and business partner, Bill Gates, said ” Personal computing would not have existed without Paul. I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends”. Allen’s sister, Jody, said he was “a remarkable individual on every level.
Allen ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals. As of Monday afternoon, he ranked 44th on Forbes’ 2018 list of billionaires with an estimated net worth of more than $20 billion.
Earlier this month, Allen revealed that he had begun treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the same type of cancer he was treated for in 2009. In 1983, Allen left the company he founded with Bill Gates when he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, which he defeated.
Since the announcement a few hours ago, people have taken to social media to express their grief. Obviously, Paul was much loved and respected. Here are some of the tweets.
Microsoft Co-Founder and Seahawks Owner Paul Allen Has Passed Away. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/X6bXFh689y
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 16, 2018
Paul Allen was known as a pioneer in personal computing and a philanthropist. He was also an accomplished guitarist. And a huge Jimi Hendrix fan. https://t.co/GJrVu4nVlg
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 16, 2018
In 1996, the Seahawks needed a knight in shining armor. Enter: Paul Allen.
"There was no Plan B."@StoneLarry's tribute to the man who saved football in Seattle: https://t.co/X9bmG8c0lJ
— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) October 16, 2018
We're saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Allen, a scientific pioneer and longtime TED community member. He will be missed. https://t.co/DweIqgxYLg
— TED Talks (@TEDTalks) October 16, 2018
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
Bill Gates says he’s heartbroken by the passing of Paul Allen. “Personal computing would not have existed without him. I will miss him tremendously.” pic.twitter.com/plhrDUi3y5
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) October 16, 2018
Paul Allen death was a rude shock to the entire world, and at ID Africa, we are really saddened to hear of His passing. He will be missed.