Long-time Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen passed away on Monday due to complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To honor his life and legacy, the Blazers set up a make-shift memorial outside of The Moda Center on Thursday afternoon.

Allen bought the Trail Blazers in 1988 at the young age of 35. Fans in Portland — one of the smallest markets in the NBA — were happy to hear his promise to keep the franchise in the city.

Via Steve Lohr of The New York Times:

In a statement, Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, called Mr. Allen “the ultimate trail blazer — in business, philanthropy and in sports.” Mr. Silver said Mr. Allen, one of the longest-tenured owners in the league, was particularly interested in the league’s growth internationally and its embrace of new technologies.

Allen was involved in technology throughout much of his life. In fact, he co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates in 1975. And though he became one of the wealthiest men on the planet (worth more than $20 billion), Allen stayed true to his philanthropic ideals.

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Prior to his passing, Allen donated more than $2 billion to various causes, including wildlife and environmental conservation, the arts, healthcare, and community services. Time recognized the Seattle native among their 100 Most Influential People in the World in consecutive years (2007 and 2008).

Allen was also involved in the NFL. When the Seattle Seahawks were thinking of moving to Los Angeles in the mid-90's, it was Allen who stepped up to buy an exclusive option to purchase the team, allowing them to stay in The Emerald City.

“I personally valued Paul’s advice on subjects ranging from collective bargaining to bringing technology to our game,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told The New York Times in a statement.

Join us in sending condolences to the Allen family.