Steve Jobs (News - Alert), the man best known for his prominent role as CEO of Apple has passed away at age 56. An official statement from the company’s board of directors was released a short while ago stating:
"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.”
"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."
"His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."
News of Jobs pancreatic cancer battle – which was diagnosed in 2003, went public after medical issues including a kidney transplant, forced him to take numerous leaves of absence from his role at Apple (News - Alert) over the years.
Back in August, Jobs announced his resignation as CEO and handed the post to Tim Cook, who had been Apple’s chief operating officer.
Jobs, who was the Co-Founder, chairman and past CEO of Apple, has left behind a legacy that continues to transform the world through technology.
The Los Angeles Times posted the following letter sent by Cook to Apple employees notifying them of the sad passing of their visionary leader and noting a special E-mail address has been set-up to send along memorial condolences.
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
Check back with TMCnet for updates on all the latest news as it develops.
Also see: Steve Jobs the Man, the Myth, the Legend
Stefania Viscusi is an assignment editor for TMCnet, covering voice and Voice over IP technologies. She also oversees production of TMCnet's e-Newsletters in the areas of Internet telephony and speech technology. To read more of Stefania's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi