Bill Gates Pays Emotional Tribute To Late Father William: 'He Was Everything I Try To Be'

Bill Gates is mourning the death of his father, former attorney William Henry Gates II or Bill Gates Sr., and that is evident in his emotional and lengthy tribute on his blog.

On Tuesday, the Microsoft billionaire announced the death of his dad and recounted how he and his siblings grew up under the care, love and guidance of their late father and mother.

"My dad passed away peacefully at home yesterday, surrounded by his family," he wrote.

"We will miss him more than we can express right now. We are feeling grief but also gratitude. 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. And we are not alone in these feelings. My dad’s wisdom, generosity, empathy, and humility had a huge influence on people around the world."

Gates shared how encouraging and patient their parents were. They knew their mom and dad's love and support were unconditional. The philanthropist recognized his parents' influence even crediting them for his confidence in taking huge risks such as dropping out of school because "I knew they would be in my corner even if I failed.”

"My dad also had a profound influence on my drive. When I was a kid, he wasn’t prescriptive or domineering, and yet he never let me coast along at things I was good at, and he always pushed me to try things I hated or didn’t think I could do (swimming and soccer, for example)," he added.

"And he modeled an amazing work ethic. He was one of the hardest-working and most respected lawyers in Seattle, as well as a major civic leader in our region."

Gates also said his dad has a huge influence on his philanthropy works. He grew up with his parents showing by example what generosity is. Gates said the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would not have been what it is today without his dad.

Gates ended his post by saying that it was an incredible experience to be the son of William Gates. He said people would often ask his dad if he was the real Bill Gates and the billionaire shared that his father has always been his inspiration.

"The truth is, he was everything I try to be. I will miss him every day," Gates concluded.

Gates tweeted about his dad’s passing, and Steven Levy, editor at large at WIRED, who had the chance to interview Gates' dad said the late patriarch was very proud of his son. Meanwhile, Walter Isaacson, a professor and author, described Bill Sr. as "one of the most admirable and lovable people of our times."