William H. Gates, father of Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates passed away on Monday night at his beach home on Hood Canal in Washington state.

"My dad passed away peacefully at home yesterday, surrounded by his family," his son wrote. William who was an accomplished attorney was 94 and had Alzheimer’s disease.

My dad’s wisdom, generosity, empathy, and humility had a huge influence on people around the world, Microsoft’s co-founder wrote in a tribute to his father.

He further said that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would not be what it is today without his dad. He continued that one night in the 1990s, before they started their foundation, Melinda, Dad, and he were standing in line at the movies.

Melinda and I were talking about how we had been getting more requests for donations in the mail, he wrote. "Dad simply said, Maybe I can help."

Bill added that whoever through the doors of the Gates Foundation felt honored to work with his dad. He saw the best in everyone and made everyone feel special, he wrote.

"The experience of being the son of Bill Gates was incredible. People used to ask my dad if he was the real Bill Gates. The truth is, he was everything I try to be. I will miss him every day," Bill stated.