Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen Dies Of Cancer At Age 65

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen passed away yesterday owing to the complications related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A statement released by the family announced that he died in Seattle at the age of 65.

A childhood friend of Bill Gates and together, the duo started Microsoft in 1975. He left the company in the early 1980’s when the signs of cancer appeared first.

After that, he was treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and maintained his position as a board member in the company through 2000. In 2009, he was first treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after which it went into remission.

However, earlier this month it was revealed that Allen was battling with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for the second time and was receiving treatment for the same.

During the first seven years at Microsoft, Mr. Allen was a driving force at Microsoft along with Bill Gates. They went ahead and transformed the image of the personal computer from a hobbyist curiosity to a widely used technology for both consumers and businesses.

In a statement to ABC News, Gates said, “I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends.” He went on to praise his fellow co-founder for his contribution to Microsoft and the role he played in “improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle.”

After leaving Microsoft, Paul Allen made a powerful impact on the lives of people in Seattle through his philanthropy and ownership of the N.F.L. team which ensured that it would remain in the city.

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