Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft died at 65 from complications brought by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Allen also owns the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.
Allen owned the Seahawks in 1997 and the Blazers in 1998. He is Bill Gates childhood friend and a co-founder in Microsoft, and he is also the co-owner of the MLS' Seattle Sounders FC.
Allen was treated of the disease in 2009 but earlier this month he announced that the disease returned.
Jody Allen, his sister, remembered him as a remarkable individual on every level. She added that while most knew him as a technologist and philanthropist, for the family he was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.
The most successful years in the franchise history of the Seahawks was recorded during Allen's ownership. During those years the team made 12 trips to the playoffs, three Super Bowl appearances. They also celebrated their victory in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos. Seahawks only participated in the playoffs four times before it was purchased by Allen.
According to Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement, Paul Allen was the driving force behind keeping the NFL in the Pacific Northwest.
It was reported that Ken Behring, Seahawks previous owner, had announced in 1996 that he is moving the Seahawks to Southern California. Allen's purchase saved the team from being relocated. Allen purchased the team after Washington voters passed a 1997 referendum to foot the majority bill which became the CenturyLink Field.
Goodell said that Allen's vision led to the construction of Century Link Field and the building of a team that played in the three Super Bowls, winning the championship in Super Bowl XLVIII. He added that Allen tributes every Seahawk's game to their fans in the Seattle community. He added that the owner's passion for the game and his determination led to a model organization on and off the field. He remembered that Allen worked tirelessly alongside their medical adviser to identify new ways to make the game safer and protect their players from unnecessary risk. Goodell complements Paul's advice on various subjects ranging from collective bargaining to bringing technology to Seahawk's game.
Allen and Gates started the Microsoft Corp. in 1975. The company's success came in 1980 after the IBM Corp. decided to invest to personal computers and Microsoft provided the operating system.
Gates said that he was heartbroken after the death of his oldest and dearest friends. He added that personal computing would not have existed without Allen.
