Steve Jobs died yesterday, aged 56, succumbing to the pancreatic cancer he'd been battling since 2004. The co-founder and chief architect of one of the biggest companies in the world, Apple Inc., Jobs was a visionary who had a large hand in shaping the world we live in today, giving us everything from the personal computer, to digital music distribution and the quintessential smartphone.
Apart from the words (seen below) from Apple's Board of Directors, newly appointed Apple CEO - Tim Cook, and Bill Gates, tributes from the common man are flooding the internet, with people also flocking to Apple's stores and offices to leave mementos, flowers, pictures and post-its in memoriam to the enigmatic futurist.
A creative genius, Steve Jobs' zealful personality was one of the principal driving forces behind personal computing, one of the folks "crazy enough" to change the world, and the sad news of his demise has had a profound effect on all of us - regardless of any of our opinions about Apple and its products. R.I.P Steve Jobs.
Tim Cook in a letter to Apple employees
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 rememberingsteve@apple.com.
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
Statements on Jobs' death
Statements reacting to Jobs' death were released by notable people in the US and outside, including U.S. President Barack Obama, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and The Walt Disney Company's Bob Iger. Wired collected reactions and posted them in tribute on their homepage.
Excerpts from President Barack Obama's statement:
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.
Bill Gates released a statement saying:
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.
Excerpts from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Steve Jobs. He was truly an innovative man and taught us new ways to connect and communicate.
Excerpts from Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's statement:
Here we are at a Future Jobs Forum and the jobs of the future are going to be shaped by innovation and we hear the news of the loss of an incredible global innovator. It's not too much to say he literally changed our world. All of us would be touched every day by products that he was the creative genius behind, so this is very sad news and my condolences go to his family and friends.
The Walt Disney Company's CEO Bob Iger said in regards to Jobs:
Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: "Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come."
News Corporation founder Rupert Murdoch said: "Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation."
The Nokia Corporation, CEO, Stephen Elop said in regards to Jobs:
"Steve's passion for simplicity and elegance leaves a legacy that will endure." He said the thoughts of all at the Finland-based cellphone maker are with Job's friends and family.
American director Steven Spielberg said: "Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips."
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen said: "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."
Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak said : "People sometimes have goals in life. Steve Jobs exceeded every goal he set himself."
RIP Steve Jobs. Your apple being tasty even it has bitten!
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