Ray Dolby, audio pioneer and founder of Dolby Laboratories, dies at age 80

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FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2012 file photo, from left, Ioan Allen, honoree Ray Dolby and presenter Walter Murch pose during the 2012 Hollywood Post Alliance awards at the Skirball Center, in Los Angeles. Dolby Laboratories said Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, that Dolby, an American inventor, audio pioneer, and founder of the company, died in his home in San Francisco. He was 80. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP)

SAN FRANCISCO – Ray Dolby, audio pioneer, American inventor and founder of Dolby Laboratories, has died at the age of 80.

The company said Thursday that Dolby died in his home at San Francisco. He had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years and was diagnosed with acute leukemia this summer.

Dolby founded his namesake company in 1965 and grew it into an industry leader of audio technology. His work in noise reduction and surround sound led to the creation of a number of technologies that are still used in music, movies and entertainment today. He holds more than 50 U.S. patents.

Dolby won a number of notable awards and honours for his life’s work including several Emmys, a Grammy and the National Medal of Technology from President Clinton.

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