Sorrowful Bill Gates Lauds Paul Allen's '2nd Act'

Microsoft co-founders met as kids, dropped out of college to form their company
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 16, 2018 5:00 AM CDT
Bill Gates on Death of Paul Allen: I'm 'Heartbroken'
In this Oct. 14, 2012, file photo, Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen appears on the field prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Seattle.   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Bill Gates wasn't even in his teens yet when he met Paul Allen at a school outside Seattle, and less than 10 years later, the two dropped out of college and founded Microsoft together. That long history, and their storied successes, have left Gates "heartbroken" after the death Monday of one of his "oldest and dearest friends." "Personal computing would not have existed without him," Gates says of Allen in a statement listed in full on CNBC. Gates also spoke of how Allen's "intellect and compassion" led him to a "second act" after Microsoft: "improving people's lives and strengthening communities in Seattle and around the world." "He deserved much more time, but his contributions to the world of technology and philanthropy will live on for generations to come," Gates noted. "I will miss him tremendously."

The Washington Post compiles many more tributes to Allen, who died at the age of 65 from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including from members of Seattle rock groups Nirvana and Pearl Jam; former and current players from the NBA and NFL (Allen owned both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks), as well as from both leagues' commissioners; and Hollywood luminaries such as Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio, whose own company worked with Allen's Vulcan on conservation efforts. "I have learned so much from him—his inquisitiveness, curiosity, and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft," the company's CEO, Satya Nadella, said in a statement. Meanwhile, a short but sweet message from the Trail Blazers: "We miss you. We thank you. We love you." (More Paul Allen stories.)

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