Microsoft Co-Founder, Paul Allen, Dies Aged 65

The American business magnate, investor, philanthropist and, most notably, co-founder of Microsoft, Paul Allen, has reportedly passed away yesterday at age 65, after announcing a few weeks ago that his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma had returned.

Business partner Bill Gates, upon hearing news of Allen passing, told the media that he was “heartbroken” about the loss of one of his “oldest and dearest friends.” He also shared a saying that Allen was fond of; “if it has the potential to do good, then we should do it.” This particular mantra is apparent in Paul Allen’s charitable side. Over the course of several decades, Allen donated over $2 billion to a wide range of his own interests, including ocean health, homelessness and advancing scientific research. While Allen was most famous for his work alongside Bill Gates in the development of Microsoft, he also leaves an extensive legacy in sports as the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Seattle Sounders FC.

Listed as the Time 100 Most Influential People in The World both in 2007 and 2008, he is a character who has certainly spread his name across many industries and will be sorely missed by them all.