Apple's Steve Jobs Passes Away in California

The world said goodbye to Steve Jobs Wednesday, this technology giant.

Steve Jobs image courtesy: Apple

(PALO ALTO, Calif.) - Steve Jobs, computer pioneer long associated with Apple Computers, died peacefully surrounded by his family. His family today made the a statement regarding his death Wednesday.

"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."

In 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, founded Apple with funding from a then-semi-retired Intel product-marketing manager and engineer A.C. "Mike" Markkula Jr.

Known as an aggressive manager at times, Jobs is listed as either primary inventor or co-inventor in 338 US patents or patent applications related to a range of technologies from actual computer and portable devices to user interfaces (including touch-based), speakers, keyboards, power adapters, staircases, clasps, sleeves, lanyards and packages, according to Wikipedia.

Health Battle

Wikipedia explains how Steve Jobs made the announcement to his employees in mid-2004, that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his pancreas. The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is usually very poor. However Jobs stated that he had a far less aggressive type known as islet cell neuroendocrine tumor that was considered rare. Jobs underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (or "Whipple procedure") in July 2004 that appeared to successfully remove the tumor.

Prior Death Report

In August 2008 Bloomberg made the regrettable error of published a 2500-word obituary of Jobs in its corporate news service that contained blank spaces for his age and cause of death. While this may be standard fare for big (heartless) news agencies, this one was very problematic as it was mistakenly published.

The next thing that took place in the life of Steve Jobs was a liver transplant in 2009, from which his prognosis was "excellent".

Steve Jobs remained publicly engaged and visible, but then in January 2011, a year and a half after the liver transplant, Apple announced that Jobs took a medical leave of absence. Jobs told employees in a letter that, his decision was made "so he could focus on his health".

Jobs announced his resignation from his role as Apple's CEO on August 24, 2011. In his resignation letter, Jobs wrote that he could "no longer meet [his] duties and expectations as Apple's CEO"

Technology's Rock Star

Wikipedia lays it out well, due to his youth, great wealth, and charisma, after Apple's founding Jobs became a symbol of his company and industry. When Time named the computer as the 1982 "Machine of the Year", it published a long profile of him as "the most famous maestro of the micro". In 2011 Jobs was voted Best Business Entrepreneur On Earth. Jobs was prominently featured in four productions about the history of the personal computing industry.

Apple's Statement

"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."

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' statement

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.

Statement from Walt Disney Company's CEO Bob Iger

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.

Steve Jobs - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Statement by Steve Jobs’ Family

Steve Jobs 1955-2011 - Apple.com