Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, counted among the greatest American CEOs of his generation, died on Wednesday at the age of 56, after his years-long and highly public battle with cancer and other health issues. Jobs’ death was announced by Apple in a statement late on Wednesday.
“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,” the statement read.
Steve Jobs founded and helped develop Apple into what it is today. Also, Steve Jobs co-founded Pixar.
Jobs has been on medical leave since Jan. 17, with his duties being filled by Cook, who was then chief operating officer but few weeks ago Jobs resigned from CEO of Apple and was named chairman of the board. It was obvious that he wasn’t doing to well with his fight with cancer. His letter of resignation included: “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.”
Jobs, who fought and survived a rare form of pancreatic cancer and revolutionized the technology arena with the iPhone and the iPad in the past four years, was deemed the heart and soul of a company that recently briefly became the most valuable in America.
Steve Jobs was the most successful CEO in the U.S. of the last 25 years.
Steve, we will miss you.
Update:
Apple CEO Tim Cook today sent the following email to all 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 [email protected].
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