The technology world has lost one of its greats with the death of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
The 65-year-old's passing was confirmed by his company, Vulcan Inc, on behalf of his family. The news comes just a few weeks after Allen announced that he was battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells.
Allen, who also owned the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers, was previously diagnosed with cancer in 1982. Doctors were able to successfully treat it, giving him 36 more years to live.
His illness gave him a new perspective on life and he resigned from Microsoft in 1983.
He once again battled cancer in 2009, this time non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which unfortunately returned recently. Despite stating that he and his doctors were "optimistic" about his prognosis, he died from its complications on October 15.
In a statement announcing his death, Allen's sister Jody described the entrepreneur as "a remarkable individual on every level."
"Paul's family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern," said Jody. "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."
Allen's high school friend and co-founder, Bill Gates, also released a statement addressing the loss.
"I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends... Personal computing would not have existed without him.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.
He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come. I will miss him tremendously."
According to Forbes, Allen was the 46th richest person in the world in 2018 with a net worth of about $20.2 billion. It is estimated that he donated more than $2 billion to philanthropic causes throughout his life.
Allen, who some considered a recluse, never married or had children, and pledged to give the majority of his fortune to various charities after his death.
