Tech Legend And Microsoft’s Co-Founder Paul Allen Passes Away After Battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The co-founder of tech giant Microsoft, Paul Allen, died of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 65. Paul was treated for the disease in 2009 but two weeks ago, he revealed that the disease was back, BBC has reported.

His sister Jody confirmed his death in a statement on Monday afternoon and said that he was a “remarkable individual on every level”.

"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," the statement said.

"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." said the statement.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft with Allen, said that he is heartbroken by passing of his oldest and dearest friend. He also credited Paul for the existence of personal computing. “Personal computing would not have existed without him." he said.

Paul and Bill were schoolmates and together founded the technology giant Microsoft in 1975.

Paul left Microsoft in 1983 following his diagnosis of blood cancer Hodgkin’s disease but recovered from it later. He then relaunched his career as venture capitalist and became very successful with his media and communications investment firm, Vulcan that he set up in 1986.

He had donated more than $2 billion for philanthropy in his life which includes causes like science, education and wildlife conservation.

Allen, in 2010, pledged that he will donate most of his fortune for charitable causes.