Steve Jobs, co-founder of computer and software giant Apple Computers Inc., and until recently its CEO, has died at the age of 56, according to reports from Apple.
After a troubling diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2003 followed by a liver transplant in 2009, reports surfaced earlier this year that Jobs was suffering from a recurrence of his cancer. This time out, Jobs was hit with pancreatic cancer known as islet cell carcinoma, difficult to cure if in late phases.
On August 24, Jobs, known for being heavily involved in every creative step of Apple, resigned recently , handing over the reins to Tim Cook. Jobs stepped down from a company he helped found with friend Steve Wozniak in 1976, working out of a parent's home. Over the 35 years he served Apple, Jobs helped guide the creative growth and marketing of its many computing and entertainment products, beginning with the Apple i.
After Apple went public in 1980, Jobs became and maintained status as one of the technology sector's leading celebrities, taking the stage year after year and dazzling consumers with Apple's vast array of computing and entertainment-related products and services, including iPods, iPhones, iPads, Macs and sites such as iTunes.
From Bill Gates to Barack Obama, everyone paid to the icon.
"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs," President Barack Obama said in a 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."
"Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to Steve Jobs' family & friends," said former rival and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."
Google co-founder Sergey Brin:
From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration or vision and leadership, we need 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 Preston 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.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg: "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."
Now he all left us the world with a "GoodBye!"
"No one wants to die" "And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it." -Steve Jobs
--
