Bill Gates ‘heartbroken’ at death of Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen

Bill
Gates and Paul Allen.

Reuters

Bill Gates has said he is “heartbroken” by the death of his
childhood friend and Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen.

Allen, who also owned the NFL Seattle Seahawks and the NBA
Portland Trail Blazers, died on Monday afternoon after a
battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, his family confirmed to
Business Insider. He was 65.

Gates said Allen helped change the world with the creation of the
personal computer. He added that his life was marked by a “second
act” in which he attempted to improve the lives of people in
Seattle, where he was from, and others around the globe.

Gates’ statement, which was carried by CNBC and The Washington Post among
others, is copied below in full:

“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest
friends, Paul Allen. 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. Personal computing would not have
existed without him.

“But Paul wasn’t content with starting one company. He channeled
his intellect and compassion into a second act focused on
improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle
and around the world. He was fond of saying, ‘If it has the
potential to do good, then we should do it.’ That’s the kind of
person he was.

“Paul loved life and those around him, and we all cherished him
in return. 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.”

READ: Business Insider’s Paul Allen
obituary»

Get the latest Microsoft stock price here.