SEATTLE (AP) - Reaction to the death of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who died Monday:
Paul Allen’s contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable. As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world. 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. Our hearts are with Paul’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace. - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, in a statement.
___
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. But 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. - Bill Gates, in a statement.
___
While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much-loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend. -sister Jody Allen, in a statement.
___
Paul Allen stands as a giant in Washington history for the genius vision that was so important to creating Microsoft with Bill Gates. That he went on to do so much more for our state, nation and the world puts him in rarefied company. - Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, in a statement.
___
Paul Allen was the driving force behind keeping the NFL in the Pacific Northwest. His vision led to the construction of CenturyLink Field and the building of a team that played in three Super Bowls, winning the championship in Super Bowl XLVIII. The raising of the “12th Man” flag at the start of every Seahawks home game was Paul’s tribute to the extraordinary fan base in the Seattle community. His passion for the game, combined with his quiet determination, led to a model organization on and off the field. He worked tirelessly alongside our medical advisers to identify new ways to make the game safer and protect our players from unnecessary risk. I personally valued Paul’s advice on subjects ranging from collective bargaining to bringing technology to our game. Our league is better for Paul Allen having been a part of it and the entire NFL sends its deepest condolences to Paul’s family and to the Seahawks organization. - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a statement.
___
RIP to my dear friend (& killer guitar player) Paul Allen. Your genius & generosity has & will forever be felt by mankind. - music mogul Quincy Jones, via Twitter.
___
Paul was a remarkable pioneer, a generous philanthropist and a special partner for us. SKG wouldn’t have been possible for us without him. Our hearts and prayers are with him and his family. — Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, in a statement.
___
Paul was a true son of Seattle who made his beloved city - and our world - a better, more vibrant place. For generations to come, Seattleites and people across our planet will benefit from his vision, innovation, and generosity. He quite literally helped invent the future. - Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, in a statement.
___
Rest in Peace, Paul Allen. - National Football League, via Twitter.
___
Deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Allen. I’ll miss him greatly. His gracious leadership and tremendous inspiration will never be forgotten. The world is a better place because of Paul’s passion, commitment, and selflessness. His legacy will live on forever. - Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, in a statement.
___
We miss you. We thank you. We love you. - Portland Trail Blazers, via Twitter.
___
Big dog rest easy as you go home Paul Allen prayers for your family. - Oakland Raiders running back and former Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch, via Twitter.
___
I will be always thankful for Paul Allen’s generosity and his kind heart. He was a genius, and genuine person, who cared about humanity all over the world and it was an honor to be able to learn from and be around such a great leader. - Philadelphia Eagles defensive end and former Seattle Seahawk Michael Bennett, via Twitter.
___
Thank you for being you, Paul Allen. Grateful I had the chance to know you. - Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin Jr., via Twitter.
___
Paul Allen was the ultimate trail blazer - in business, philanthropy and in sports. As one of the longest-tenured owners in the NBA, Paul brought a sense of discovery and vision to every league matter large and small. He was generous with his time on committee work, and his expertise helped lay the foundation for the league’s growth internationally and our embrace of new technologies. He was a valued voice who challenged who challenged assumptions and conventional wisdom and one we will deeply miss as we start a new season without him. Our condolences go to his family, friends and the entire Trail Blazers organization. - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, in a statement.
___
I am so sorry to hear this!!! Thank you Paul for your generosity towards myself and Darbury. Thank you for the wonderful monument of (Museum of Pop Culture) for Seattle Music. You built Seattle into a great city. Rest in Peace. - Former Nirvana star Krist Novoselic, via Twitter.
___
Our industry has lost a pioneer and our world has lost a force for good. We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s friends, the Allen family and everyone at Microsoft. - Apple CEO Tim Cook, via Twitter.
___
Seattle Sounders FC offers its deepest condolences to the Allen family during this difficult time. We stand united with our community in mourning the loss of one of our regions’ great icons. Paul Allen was a profound public leader, leaving an indelible mark on many aspects of civic life here in Settle, including the growth and success of professional soccer. He will be greatly missed. - Seattle Sounders Football Club, via Twitter.
___
Today we mourn the loss of Paul G. Allen, a man of extraordinary vision, leadership and generosity whose impact on our world is profound. Paul was a true innovator - co-founding Microsoft and launching the revolution that put a computer on every desktop - and what many would call a Renaissance man. The breadth of his curiosity was a hallmark of his life, whether it was delving into the mysteries of the brain, exploring the promise of artificial intelligence, working to protect endangered species, rocking out on the electric guitar or cheering on his beloved Seahawks. - University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce, in a statement.
___
Very sad to hear of Paul Allen’s passing. His passion for invention and pushing forward inspired so many. He was relentless to the end. My heart goes out to Paul’s family and friends. - Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos
___
Our founder let us fly with super heroes. He showed us that we could create beautiful music of our own. He inspired us to look to the stars. Today we mourn the passing of Paul Allen. - The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, via Twitter.
___
Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Allen, who was a strong advocate for environmental protection. He and the team at Vulcan played a pivotal role in developing the Shark Conservation Fund alongside (The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation). His legacy lives on via his incredible work as a philanthropist and investor. - Leonardo DiCaprio, via Twitter.
___
The world has lost a great technologist and philanthropist. Seattle has lost a true leader in our community. The legacy of Paul Allen will live on in the organizations he has built and the lives he has uplifted. - Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, via Twitter.
___
We have lost a friend and a giant. Mr. Allen, thank you for your extraordinary vision, your abundant generosity and for believing in all of us. By your example, you made us all better, kinder. May you Rest In Peace. Go Hawks! - Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, via Twitter.
___
RIP Paul Allen. Thank you for your immeasurable contributions to the community and beyond … Rock on. - Pearl Jam, via Twitter.
___
Saddened by the passing of Paul Allen a great leader in tech and a man of all seasons who fully enjoyed his life and wealth yet also gave back to the world at scale. I was especially impressed with how he took care of the Oceans. May the one who brings peace bring peace to all. - Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, via Twitter.
___
So sad to hear about the passing of Paul Allen. Among many other things he was a pioneer of commercial space travel. We shared a belief that by exploring space in new ways we can improve life on Earth. All our thoughts are with his loved ones. - British billionaire Richard Branson, via Twitter.
___
We will hear so much about the tremendous impact that Paul has had on our state, our country, and the world_but the impact he has had on the people he worked with and those who knew him best cannot be overstated. He leaves a legacy of compassion, innovation, and heart that none of us will soon forget, and all of us will honor. It was joy to know Paul and to see his incredible drive and incredible heart, and he will be missed by me and so many others. -U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, via Twitter.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.