Only the good die young, and this week that means Paul Allen.

Billy Joel had a mega-hit called “Only The Good Die Young,” which I think about every time a truly good person passes on before his or her time. I didn’t know Paul Allen, but from everything I’ve read about him, he was one of the good who died too young at 65. Someone who was really wealthy and really cared.

Allen passed away this week from a recurrence of cancer, and the stories have been cascading over the Internet about how the co-founder of Microsoft (alongside Bill Gates) and the owner of the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL and Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA was one of those people who you thought should live forever. A family man, friend and mentor extraordinaire.

A multi-billionaire, Allen used his money for philanthropy and also to save professional sports teams in the Northwest.

He bought the Seahawks in 1997, when the team was on the verge of fleeing Seattle like the Super Sonics of the NBA did just years before. He signed an option to buy the team for $200 million and then asked the greater Seattle community and fan base to join him in building a new stadium. A shrewd businessman, Allen only wanted to partner with those who had skin in the game.

The result is Century Link Field, where the Seahawks have thrived under Allen’s ownership, the coaching of Pete Carroll and the quarterbacking of Russell Wilson – and the boisterous 12th man fans. They’ve had their share of controversy as has almost every pro franchise, but they are one of the most successful NFL clubs based on attendance, ancillary sales and success on the field, reaching two straight Super bowls and winning one in the last five years.

Allen did the same with the Trail Blazers of Portland, another of Allen’s home cities. The team won and NBA title in 1977 but became an NBA outlier until the 35-year-old Allen purchased the franchise in 1988 and became an interested, but not meddling, owner.

He was known to stay in close contact with the coaches and GM, asking them about certain players and offering advice and help wherever needed in a league known for troubled stars. The team is now stable and flourishing and contending for the playoffs almost every season.

Paul Allen was a rich guy, but a good guy who died too young.

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