Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

Former chief executive of U.S. technology giant Apple Steve Jobs has passed away. “We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” read an official statement by Apple’s board of directors. The company also stated “Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich our lives. The world is immeasurable better because of Steve.” Fellow inventor and business rival Bill Gates paid homage by saying “Jobs profound impact would be felt for many generations to come.” The former Microsoft CEO also added: “For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”

The company founded by Jobs in the 1970s said that “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.” Another statement from the technology empire also added “Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.” The Silicon Valley icon gave the world digital marvels including the MacBook, the iPod, and the iPhone amongst others. Sadly, his death came just a day after Apple unveiled its latest iPhone 4s model. He was just 56.

In 2004, Jobs announced that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer and had a liver transplant five years earlier. In January, Jobs took medical leave before resigning as CEO in August and handling over his heavy responsibilities to Tim Cook. In his resignation letter Jobs delivered, “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.” As the mastermind and face of Apple, Steve Jobs represented the company’s dedication in transforming technology into desirable and ubiquitous product.