SEATTLE (CelebrityAccess) — Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft who went on to own major leagues sports franchises such as the Seattle Seahawks has died due to complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 65.
Allen’s philanthropic entity Vulcan announced his passing, writing: It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Paul G Allen, our founder and noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts. All of us who worked with Paul feel an inexpressible loss today.
“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,” Allen’s sister Jody Allen said. “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.”
Through Vulcan, Allen supported research into a number of key “frontier” technologies, including artificial intelligence, and biosciences. The organization also invested in cultural and arts institutions and helped to revitalize downtown Seattle through partnerships with the Seattle Art Fair, The Upstream Music Fest and other organizations.
Allen co-founded Microsoft in 1975 and helped to grow it into a digital titan. In 1986, he co-founded Vulcan with his sister, which served as a launch pad for numerous business ventures, including the purchase of the NFL team Seattle Seahawks in 1997 and a major stake in Stephen Spielberg’s Dreamworks.
As well, Allen owned the NBA team the Portland Trail Blazers and was a minority partner in the Major League Soccer team, the Seattle Sounders.
In 2009, Allen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was successfully treated for it at the time. However, earlier this month, he revealed that the disease had returned.
