Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, a renowned technologist, philanthropist, conservationist and musician has died aged 65.
Allen’s private company Vulcan Inc confirmed in a statement on Monday evening that its founder had died that afternoon from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The 65-year-old had previously battled and defeated the same disease in 2009, but discovered it had returned earlier this month.
His final post to social media on October 1 detailed his new battle with cancer, saying doctors were “optimistic that I will see a good result.”
Vulcan Inc also released a statement from Allen’s family, crediting him as 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 and 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.”
Vulcan Inc CEO Bill Hilf said, “today we mourn the boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short – and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world.”
Paul Allen Legacy
Allen’s legacy left behind has been felt across a number of industries, including tech, music, sport and charitable organisations due to his huge expanse of projects.
Just some of his achievements include the co-founding of Microsoft with his longtime friend Bill Gates, and directing a research team to discover the wreckage of Musashi, a Japanese ship that was one of the biggest ships used in the Second World War, which was sank in 1944.