Steve Jobs — a technological entrepreneur who began creating one of the world’s leading computer companies out of his parents’ garage nearly 40 years ago, built a computer corporation from the ground-up, saved it nearly 25 years later from the brink of collapse after being ousted by it’s board of directors only several years before and guided it to become one of the most profitable companies in the world — died yesterday after a prolonged and public battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
Apple initially announced his death on its homepage in its trademark, minimalist fashion by presenting a light-bearded Steve Jobs clad in a black turtleneck and posed in a pensive state next to his name spelled out in bold, black letters with the dates “1955-2011” underneath.
After clicking on the screen, Apple printed its statement to his death in a similar fashion: simple bold, black letters with a plain white background.
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” the statement read. “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.”@@http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/@@
Not too long afterward, his family released a statement to the media that read:
Even President Obama was quick to release his own statement after hearing of Jobs’ death.
“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs,” Obama said in a prepared 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. By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the Internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grown-ups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: He changed the way each of us sees the world. The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife, Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”
Despite their longstanding rivalry, Microsoft chairman and CEO Bill Gates said he was “truly saddened” to hear of Jobs’ death.
“Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work,” Gates said in a prepared statement. “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.”
Although Jobs’ family has said that a web site will be established for well-wishers to post their thoughts and memories of Steve Job, no such site could be found as of Thursday morning. However, Apple said in its statement that people who are interested in “sharing your thoughts, memories, and condolences” may send an e-mail to [email protected].