Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, in Oakland, California.Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Paul Allen, the cofounder of Microsoft and billionaire philanthropist, died Monday afternoon after battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The 65-year-old Seattle native is best-known for having launched Microsoft with Bill Gates, but he also operated the venture-capital firm Vulcan Ventures, and staked his claim on sports franchises as the owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Allen previously overcame a bout of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the 1980s, but he was later diagnosed with cancer in 2009, which returned after a period of remission.
As a titan in the tech industry and the world of sports, Allen influenced his colleagues to inspire millions of others through their work.
Here’s how Allen’s friends and associates are responding to his death.
Bill Gates, Microsoft founder and philanthropist
“I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends,” Gates said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal on Monday. “Paul was a true partner and dear friend.”
Gates and and Allen were high-school friends; they founded Microsoft in 1975.
“Personal computing would not have existed without him,” Gates said.
Tim Cook, Apple CEO
“Our industry has lost a pioneer and our world has lost a force for good,” Cook said in a tweet on Monday. “We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s friends, the Allen family and everyone at Microsoft.
Sundar Pichai, Google CEO
“We lost a great technology pioneer today – thank you Paul Allen for your immense contributions to the world through your work and your philanthropy,” Pichai said Monday. “Thoughts are with his family and the entire Microsoft community.”
Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO
“Very sad to hear of Paul Allen’s passing,” Bezos said. “His passion for invention and pushing forward inspired so many. He was relentless to the end.”
Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO
“Paul Allen’s contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable,” Nadella said in a statement. “As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world.”
“I have learned so much from him — his inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft,” he added. “Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”
Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO
“Saddened by the passing of Paul Allen a great leader in tech and a man of all seasons who fully enjoyed his life and wealth yet also gave back to the world at scale,” Benioff said. “I was especially impressed with how he took care of the Oceans. May the one who brings peace bring peace to all.”
Steve Wozniak, Apple cofounder and entrepreneur
“I was in an on-stage interview when my moderator presented the news,” Wozniak told Business Insider senior reporter Greg Sandoval. “I could barely continue. I felt great grief for the world.”
“Paul has done so much for humanity and his values are tops,” he added. “Paul cared about the effect of technology on society. I’m sad and shed a few tears after my event here in Melbourne. I hope that there are more like Paul in the future.”
Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks head coach
Allen has been the owner of the Seattle Seahawks since 1996.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Allen,” Carroll said. “I’ll miss him greatly. His gracious leadership and tremendous inspiration will never be forgotten.”
“The world is a better place because of Paul’s passion, commitment, and selflessness,” he added. “His legacy will live on forever.”
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner
Allen has owned the Portland Trail Blazers since 1988.
“Paul Allen was the ultimate trail blazer – in business, philanthropy and in sports,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As one of the longest-tenured owners in the NBA, Paul brought a sense of discovery and vision to every league matter large and small.”
