Seattle, WA- Legendary Microsoft Co-Founder, Portland Trailblazers, and Seattle Seahawks’ owner Paul Allen passed away from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on Monday afternoon. Allen was a successful and inspiring man in the Seattle community. He was always helping out the community and made sure that the Seattle Seahawks stayed in Seattle instead of moving elsewhere.
Allen’s sister released a statement that described what type of man he was. “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,” she said in a statement. “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 said, “All of us who had the honor of working with Paul feel an 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 a profound and lasting impact,” Hilf said in a statement.
Bill Gates who was Allen’s longtime friend described how Allen changed the world. “I am heartbroken by the passing of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Paul Allen. From our early days together at Lakeside School, through our partnership in the creation of Microsoft, to some of our joint philanthropic projects over the years, Paul was a true partner and dear friend. Personal computing would not have existed without him. Paul wasn’t content with starting one company. He channeled his intellect and compassion into a second act focused on improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle and around the world. He was fond of saying, “If it has the potential to do good, then we should do it.” That’s the kind of person he was. Paul loved life and those around him, and we all cherished him in return. He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come. I will miss him tremendously.”
Allen was much more than a person who discovered how computers could change the world, but a man that would go out of his way to help those in need.
In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl and Allen was so proud of his team and what they accomplished. Allen bought the team in 1976 and had to rebuild the entire image. Before the glitz and glamor, Allen had to get “Spot Light” stars to come to Seattle. It was hard work, but the community, as well as the franchize, understood his efforts.
Today the world lost a pioneer, a friend, a humbling man that wanted the best for everyone, and a person that overcame adversity. His legacy and memories that he gave the world will live on forever.
