Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. and Pixar Studios, innovator of the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, died October 5, 2011 in California at the age of 56. We first learned back in 2004 that Silicon Valley hero Jobs was battling pancreatic cancer. In January 2011 he announced a medical leave of absence from his CEO post at Apple which eventually became his resignation as CEO on August 24, 2011. Job’s creativity impacted a generation of music and technology lovers alike, an impact so universal that it will reverberate for many generations to come. So as you reach for your iPod, iPhone or iPad today, remember that Jobs, who started building computers as teenager in his parents’ garage, brought you that convenient handheld device that you appreciate every single day.

In 1976, he co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak at the age of 22. In 1984 he helped launch the Macintosh personal computer, at the time boasting a graphical user interface and the ability to use a “mouse” and clickable icons. Today, Mac users are everywhere across the globe. In 2001, the iPod portable digital media player took the world by storm and the Walkman became obsolete. Next was the ridiculously popular iPhone and most recently, the iPad. Ironically just yesterday on October 4, 2011, Apple revealed its newest version of the iPhone called the 4S. The 4S features a groundbreaking new voice-controlled “assistant” called Siri which enables you to just use your voice to send messages, make calls, schedule reminders and more without having to enter anything on your iPhone. Another brilliant invention by Apple that will inevitably captivate users.

Here are some of the many published tributes to Jobs provided by colleagues and friends:

Bill Gates:
“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.”

President Barack 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.

“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 grownups 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.”

Steven Spielberg:
“Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips.”

John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer & Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios: ”Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.”

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.”

Walt Disney president/CEO Bob Iger:
”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.”

As co-founder of CGI animation studio Pixar, Jobs helped treat moviegoers to wonderful films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars and The Incredibles. Steve Jobs was a remarkable man whose creative genius will always be a significant part of history – his inventions define the information age. He brings new meaning to the word “icon”.  RIP Steve, I hope there is an iPod in heaven playing peaceful music for you.
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