To be sure, you’ll find many obits for Paul Allen, who died on Monday, October 15, 2018. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on his work and life. Sure, he struck it rich with Microsoft, but he quickly turned to philanthropy after an early bout with cancer. Disease and the Grim Reaper have a way of centering and focusing one’s life and work.

Should you visit the Seattle area, in particular, you’ll see many examples of his charitable work. In addition to “serious” philanthropy, Paul Allen didn’t forget the arts, including pop culture. Most folks know the Museum of Pop Culture, Mr. Allen’s deep interest in rock’n’roll, and his status as a collector.

Collector, indeed. As a dedicated nerd, he created the Living Computer Museum in Seattle to house and preserve computing artifacts. The Museum essentially started out as his personal collection. Its mission has expanded to education and education outreach as reflected in its current name, Living Computers Museums + Labs.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Living Computers several times and have enjoyed every visit. I’m a committed preservationist myself and have donated half-a-ton of vintage computers, textbooks, manuals and software to the Museum, courtesy of Mr. Allen’s investment in this worthy venture.

So, let’s take a minute and a breath to reflect and re-center ourselves. Thanks, Mr. Allen.