Archive Notice: This article is preserved as a historical reference. It was originally written on October 5, 2011, the day Steve Jobs passed away.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, passed away today at the age of 56. He led Apple to become the world's leading technology company and fundamentally changed the way we think about mobile devices.
The last time we saw Jobs in public was during the iPad 2 launch earlier in the year. He had been on a medical leave of absence but made a personal appearance at the media event to promote Apple's second generation tablet. He resigned as CEO in August 2011 but remained as Chairman of the board until his death.
Apple's Statement
Apple's Board of Directors released the following statement:"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 great love was his wife Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."Apple's website is hosting a memorial page where you can send your condolences and share your thoughts about Steve Jobs at apple.com/stevejobs.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Apple may have lost its leader, but Steve Jobs leaves behind a legacy that will endure. The company will forever be remembered for the revolution in mobile technology that began with the original iPhone in 2007. One thing I want to leave with anyone reading this is something Steve said during his last keynote in March.Steve Jobs — Last Keynote, March 2011
"It's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough. It's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing. And nowhere is that more true than in these post-PC devices."