“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen,” Microsoft founder Bill Gates said in a statement Monday. “Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him.”
Monday saw the death of Paul Allen, Microsoft’s co-founder. He was an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Two weeks ago, Allen disclosed on Twitter that cancer, for which he was successfully treated nine years ago, had returned. He said his doctors were “optimistic that I will see a good result.”
Some personal news: Recently, I learned the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma I battled in 2009 has returned. I’ve begun treatment & my doctors are optimistic that I will see a good result. Appreciate the support I’ve received & count on it as I fight this challenge. https://t.co/ZolxS8lni5
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) October 1, 2018
Allen had been battling cancer that originates in the body’s lymphatic system and causes tumors to develop from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Allen resigned from Microsoft in 1983 when he was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s, which has become more treatable in recent years but can be fatal if not caught early enough or when it causes respiratory failure or infections.
Paul’s sister, Jody Allen, a businesswoman and long the CEO of Vulcan, released a separate statement, writing that her 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.”
Paul Allen died at the age of 65.