Technology pioneer and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, dies at the age of 56 with President Obama saying "the world has lost a visionary".

Stunned. Sad. RiP Steve Jobs.
 

I never worked for, let alone met Steve Jobs. Yet I feel part of the Apple family. After all, he was virtually the same age as my younger brother and we grew up in the same era.
Without Steve Jobs and Apple, I would never have been able to pursue my own passion – translating and editing fascinating texts about contemporary art and the environment – for as long as I have.
Without them, I would never have been able to do so from the comfort of my own home, which I relocated to the beautiful Oban area three-and-a-half years ago.
In many ways I owe Steve Jobs and Apple my career and a significant part of my life.
My heart goes out to Laurene Jobs and her family and I will always remember Steve Jobs with the deepest respect.

Thank you, Steve Jobs. 

BBC News has a wonderful tribute by Stephen Fry, recorded in August 2011, after Steve Jobs resigned due to ill health:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/14664694

 

Yesterday, 5 October 2011, 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 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