Gordon Letwin:
Early Life and Career:
Gordon Letwin, born on July 2, 1952, is an American software developer renowned for his pivotal role at Microsoft. Before joining Microsoft, he worked at Heathkit, where he contributed to the development of HDOS and Benton Harbor BASIC, and ported Colossal Cave Adventure to the computer.
Microsoft Tenure:
Letwin was among the original group of eleven employees at Microsoft, joining the company in 1978. His first project was writing a BASIC compiler, but he is best known for his work as the lead architect on Microsoft's side for the OS/2 operating system, collaborating with IBM's Ed Iacobucci. Letwin made significant contributions to the design and coding of core components, including the High-Performance File System (HPFS).
Later Years at Microsoft:
Letwin stayed with Microsoft until 1993, the second-longest tenure among the original employees after Bill Gates. By the time he left, Letwin had amassed substantial wealth, estimated at around $20 million in 2000. His departure was driven by a desire to take a break from the corporate grind.
Post-Microsoft Activities:
After leaving Microsoft, Letwin and his wife, Rose, founded the Wilburforce Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting environmental conservation. Letwin is known for his philanthropy, particularly in environmental causes, and he currently resides on a ranch in Arizona.
Legacy:
Gordon Letwin’s legacy at Microsoft is marked by his technical expertise and contributions to the company’s early operating systems. His career trajectory also highlights a shift from technological innovation to environmental philanthropy, demonstrating his broad range of interests and impact beyond the tech industry.