It is a sad day folks. The most well-known man in the tech industry has passed away today, October 5 (PST), after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. That man was Steve Jobs. Known for his attention to detail and drive for perfection and intuitive products, Steve created and shaped the world of personal computing we see and know today.
Apple has acknowledged Mr. Jobs’ death by a statement released on a tribute site (visit here) and lowering all flags on their campuses at half-mast:
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.
Apple have asked those who wish to share their condolences with Apple email rememberingsteve@apple.com with their tribute.
An email from Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) to employees highlights Steve’s prowess in attitude towards life and others:
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
Steve Jobs was a truly inspirational human being; an Edison of our times. Though you may not of liked Apple, chances are a product you use was influenced by Steve’s thinking, ideals and passion.
His family also released a statement saying:
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.
Finally, Bill Gates has also told AllThingsD his feelings on the passing of Steve Jobs.
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.
On behalf of all the techgeek.com.au staff, I extend our deepest regrets at the passing of a single man, a visionary, a man who always “stayed foolish, stayed hungry”. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who knew or worked with Steve and with anyone who was truly touched by his work.
The internal email is courtesy of Ars Technia, where the original can be found here.
The family statement is courtesy of BusinessWire, where the original can be found here.
The statement from Bill Gates is courtesy of AllThingsD, where the original can be found here.