Bill Gates’ father dies at 94

The father of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has died.

He passed away on Monday from undisclosed causes.

William Henry Gates II was 94 years old. He was an army veteran and a founding partner in a Seattle law firm.

He was also a great influence on his son the technology giant, and the life of philanthropy the younger Gates chose to follow after Microsoft.

“The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would not be what it is today without my dad,” Gates said. His father served as co-chair of the foundation.

“People who came through the doors of the Gates Foundation felt honored to work with my dad. He saw the best in everyone and made everyone feel special.”

Bill Gates summarised his feelings on his father’s death, posting on his own site, gatesnotes.com.

“My dad’s passing was not unexpected – he was 94 years old and his health had been declining – so we have all had a long time to reflect on just how lucky we are to have had this amazing man in our lives for so many years.”

The younger Gates concluded his short but heartfelt eulogy by saying, “People used to ask my dad if he was the real Bill Gates. The truth is, he was everything I try to be.”