William H. Gates II, father of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, passed away at 94 on Monday at his beach home on Hood Canal, in the Seattle area. He was 94. Gates died peacefully on Monday at his beach home from Alzheimer’s disease. The family in a statement confirmed the news.
In an obituary, the family credited the patriarch with a “deep commitment to social and economic equity.” He was also responsible for establishing the world’s largest philanthropy, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates Tweeted, “My dad was the “real” Bill Gates. He was everything I try to be and I will miss him every day.”
Check out his tweet here:
In a tribute to his father Bill Gates wrote, “My dad’s wisdom, generosity, empathy, and humility had a huge influence on people around the world.”
“The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would not be what it is today without my dad. More than anyone else, he shaped the values of the foundation. He was collaborative, judicious, and serious about learning. He was dignified but hated anything that seemed pretentious,” Gates Jr said in a statement.
William H. Gates is survived by his son Bill, his wife; his daughters, Kristianne Blake, who is known as Kristi, and Elizabeth MacPhee, who is known as Libby; and eight grandchildren.
May His Soul Rest In Peace.