Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen dies at age 65

Paul Allen, cofounder of Microsoft alongside Bill Gates, died today due to complications stemming from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A statement issued by Vulcan Inc., the organization behind Allen's philanthropy efforts, announced his death on behalf of his family.

In a statement, Jody Allen, Paul Allen's sister, issued the following statement on behalf of the family:

My 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.

Vulcan CEO Bill Hilf stated:

All of us who had the honor of working with Paul feel inexpressible loss today. He possessed a remarkable intellect and a passion to solve some of the world's most difficult problems, with the conviction that creative thinking and new approaches could make profound and lasting impact.

Millions of people were touched by his generosity, his persistence in pursuit of a better world, and his drive to accomplish as much as he could with the time and resources at his disposal.

Allen was a cofounder of Microsoft with Bill Gates at the company's inception in 1975, and the two had known each other since they were adolescents. Allen would later leave Microsoft in 1983 amid his battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a disease he would later go on to defeat.

Allen was one of America's wealthiest businessmen, with Forbes ranking him at number 21 with a net worth of $20.3 billion. Allen used his fortune to pursue a large variety of philanthropy efforts. something that fellow Microsoft co-founder Gates has also been increasingly focused on in recent years.

In a statement regarding Allen's death, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said:

Paul Allen's contributions to our company, our industry, and to our community are indispensable. As cofounder 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. Our hearts are with Paul's family and loved ones. Rest in peace.

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