Steve Jobs died at 56. Today, the world is shocked by the loss of a truly technology visionary and a great human being who has contributed so much to the world and created many things that today we all take for granted. As we all know Steve Jobs has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2004. He took his third and final leave of absence in January 2011 and resigned as CEO in August, naming Tim Cook as the successor. Steve has had a profound effect on the world of technology, both at Apple and through his many other achievements. God bless.
Steve Jobs’s family statement
“Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.
In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. 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.
We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”
The family also announced that a website will be erected “for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.”
Today Apple’s website reads
“Steve Jobs 1955-2011: Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortune 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.”
The company has also made available an email address, if you like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences: [email protected]
Tim Cook, new Apple CEO, memo to employees
All Things D has posted a memo sent out by Tim Cook to Apple employees stating that there will be an internal celebration to honor Steve’s life soon. His words can be found after the break.
“Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.
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 an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email [email protected].
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim”
Bill Gates statement
Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft, was quoted by The New York Times as saying that he was “truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’s death.” He added: “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.”
Mark Zuckerber statement
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook said at his Facebook profile: “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
“The world has lost a visionary,” Obama said. “And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”
The statement is a moving tribute to man behind multiple computing revolutions. The full statement from the President is included below:
“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”
Google founders statements
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have each posted their condolences over the passing of Steve Jobs.
Here is Sergey Brin’s statement:
“From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration for vision and leadership, we needed to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met.
On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues at Apple.”
Here is Larry Page’s statement:
“I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google’s are with his family and the whole Apple family.”
Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
1984 Apple’s Macintosh Commercial
Steve Jobs and Microsoft at Macworld Boston 1997
The first Apple Retail Store – Introduction by Steve Jobs
Apple Music Event 2001-The First Ever iPod Introduction
Macworld 2007- Steve Jobs introduces iPhone
Apple Steve Jobs The Crazy Ones – NEVER BEFORE AIRED
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” –Steve Jobs.
Thank you, Steve, you’ll be missed.