Visionary who help bring personal computing to the forefront of residential and business life died Wednesday.
By Steve Crowe
Steve Jobs, the visionary who co-founded Apple and built it into the world’s leading tech company, died Wednesday. He was 56.
Jobs, who battled pancreatic cancer for years, took three medical leaves from Apple before finally stepping down as CEO in August. Upon retiring, he said, “I have always said that if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s C.E.O., I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”††
REMEMBERING STEVE JOBS
In tribute to its founder, Apple’s website is displaying a portrait of Steve Jobs. The company states, “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”
While no specific cause of death has yet been release to the press, Jobs’ family reports he died quietly. “Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family,” his relatives said in a statement. “In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family.” They add, “We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.”
Indeed, Apple is welcoming friends and fans of Steve Jobs to share thoughts, memories and condolences via e-mail sent to †
Jobs led the Apple team that designed the Macintosh computer, a breakthrough in personal computers, and, of course, the iPod, iPhone and iPad, all of which transformed product categories and entire industries.
During his years outside Apple, Jobs bought a computer graphics spin-off from director George Lucas that became Pixar Animation Studios, which starting with “Toy Story” in 1995, has produced numerous award-winning movies and made full-length computer-animated films a mainstream art form.
Jobs is survived by his wife of 20 years, Laurene, and four children, including one from a prior relationship.
STATEMENTS FROM MICROSOFT
Microsoft, arguably Apple’s closest rival, issued statements today about the passing of Steve Jobs.††
Bill Gates, the Microsoft chairman, issued this statement through a spokesman:
I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen released the following statement:
My condolences to Steve Jobs’ family and friends. We’ve lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products. Steve fought a long battle against tough odds in a very brave way. He kept doing amazing things in the face of all that adversity. As someone who has had his own medical challenges, I couldn’t help but be encouraged by how he persevered.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOBS’ LIFE
For more about Steve Jobs, consider these links:
- L.A. Times†–†Photos: Steve Jobs | 1955-2011
STEVE CROWE is a Web Editor with EH Publishing.
