In the summer of 1991, Mary Gates , the mother of Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates , persuaded her hardworking son to relax over the Fourth of July at Hood Canal. This favorite family retreat, located two hours from Seattle, boasts picturesque natural settings. Among the attendees was the esteemed investor Warren Buffett , known as the Oracle of Omaha.
Initially, Bill was reluctant to meet Buffett, dismissing him as just a “stockbroker.” However, once they started talking, they discovered a surprising rapport. Dressed casually for the holiday, they conversed intensely for nearly half a day, deepening their acquaintance much to the surprise of other guests, reports The New York Times.
Their friendship flourished over the years, marked by shared interests in bridge, business, and philanthropy. Often seen together at events like the Sun Valley conference, they enjoyed casual activities like golf and served ice cream to attendees from Dairy Queen, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway . Also Read: New Book Claims Bill Gates Was Banned From Being Alone With Interns At Microsoft Despite their close bond, the duo’s public personas could hardly be more different.
Buffett is known for his folksy charm and effortless conversation, while Gates is more reserved, often appearing disinterested in casual exchanges unless the topic deeply engages him. Their friendship, however, was not without its complexities. Over the years, Gates’s lifestyle, which includes multiple homes and luxury .