∞ Steve Jobs dead at 56

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Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs has passed away, Apple confirmed on Wednesday.

Jobs battled pancreatic cancer in 2004 and underwent a liver transplant following a leave of absence in 2009. He took another leave of absence in January, 2011, putting COO Tim Cook in his place temporarily. Steve stepped down from his position as CEO in late August, recommending Cook as his successor. Cook is now Apple’s CEO.

“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” reads a message posted to the Apple Web site. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

Apple’s board of directors offered a statement acknowledging Jobs’ passing:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

“Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

“His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”

Apple directs people interested in sharing memories of Steve to an address: rememberingsteve@apple.com


  • http://twitter.com/mike_griffin_f1 Michael Griffin

    Everyone using a computer or a smartphone in a small way owes a debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs.

    RIP, sir. Thank you so much for changing my life. I honestly cannot thank you enough for that. The world is a better place thanks to you.

  • Anonymous

    Rest in peace, Mr. Jobs, and thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us.

  • Anonymous

    There are not many people in history that have enriched so many lives in so many ways.  He inspired an enormous amount of technology that people rely on every day.  I can’t imagine there being another Jobs.  Thank you and peace be with you.

  • http://www.theuniversalsteve.com Anonymous

    I knew he had to be awfully sick to want to give up being CEO of Apple but I still had hope that he would be able to be around a long time. Not many people can change the world the way he did. And he did it multiple times.

  • http://twitter.com/VGISoftware Daniel Swanson

    One’s existence doesn’t have to be long in order to be great. Steve’s Stanford commencement speech is one of the most inspiring I’ve ever heard. His products are memorials to his creativity, compassion, and leadership. Use them well.

  • Anonymous

    We all knew this was coming so why am I sitting at my Mac with tears rolling down my face?

  • Steven Fisher

    I don’t have a lot to say. The man had a huge impact on my life. But I think the best way to honor him would be for me to shut up and do something great. And not what he would do, but something only I can do.

    RIP Steve Jobs.

  • http://twitter.com/TeamBlackFriday BlackFridayUK

    He defined the post PC agenda, he changed the music industry, the phone industry, the computer industry and moist recently he redefined what mobile computing is.
    Sorely missed.

  • Frank

    May you now rest in peace amongst the great ones, Steve.

  • John

    The tech industry lost a great visionary today.  Love him or hate him, there is no denying the impact he had on our lives (whether you use Apple products or not).  He will be missed.

    Peace to Jobs’ family in their time of mourning.

  • http://twitter.com/Moeskido Moeskido

    This news is very upsetting. I have a very clear idea of how Jobs’ work affected my life and career, and I don’t care to speculate about what it’d be like had he never existed. We are diminished by his absence.

  • Jth9234

    I have to wonder what might have been if he grew old as CEO of Apple, like for another 20 years? What products and changes in technology might have happened or perhaps now may not or may just take longer? Gone too soon…

  • Anonymous

    Thank you Steve for making computers “for the rest of us”.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VX2YBI7AZ247PJX2YFTTQSIH7E CarD

    Email Apple with your support at : rememberingsteve@apple:disqus.com and check out the amazing tributes at : http://www.pixt.com/remembersteve   Even upload your own if you want!