Just one day after Apple proudly launched its new iPhone 4S, the company today officially announced terribly sad news that Apple founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs and inspirational leaders in history, has died of pancreatic cancer at aged 56.
His death is a great loss not only to his family and Apple, but also to American industry and millions of people around the world.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in email to staff: “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.”
Images of Steve Jobs through the years
Steve Jobs’ family said in a brief statement: “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.”
The tech titan keeps a happy twenty-year marriage to wife Laurene and they are parents to three children, Reed Paul, Erin Sienna and Eve
He also has a daughter s Lisa Brennan-Jobs with painter Chrisann Brennan
Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates reacts to Steve Jobs’s death: “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.”
Bill Gates expressed his deep sadness to Steve Jobs’ death
Google CEO Larry Page reacts to Steve Jobs’s death: “I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google's are with his family and the whole Apple family.”
Larry Page respects what Steve Jobs has done over the years
President and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, Robert Iger, reacts to former Apple CEOs’ death: “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,” he added
Other celebrities react to Steve Jobs’ death
Facebook's 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”
US President Obama: “Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. 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”
Google co-founder Sergey Brin: “On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much. My condolences to family, friends, and colleagues at Apple”
President and CEO of HP Meg Whitman: “Steve Jobs was an iconic entrepreneur and businessman whose impact on technology was felt beyond Silicon Valley. He will be remembered for the innovation he brought to market and the inspiration he brought to the world”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “Steve Jobs saw the future and brought it to life”
Steve Jobs Dies at Aged 56
Related links:
Steve Jobs: Time Magazine October 2011 Cover and Funeral Details
Steve Jobs' Family, Barack Obama, Tim Cook and Bill Gates React to Apple Former CEO's Death