Apple co-founder and two-time CEO Steve Jobs, recognized around the world as one of the most successful innovators in the history of American business, died Oct. 5 as the result of an eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.
Jobs and partner Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple in 1977 and in the course of one generation changed the way the world processed personal information. He was a famous micro-manager with big ideas that resonated around the world and back millions of times.
Jobs was involved in every aspect of all of Apple's products, from early development to finishing touches. His personality permeated every part of Apple.
In almost a homage to Jobs' ability and dedication, Apple was recently recognized as the most valuable company in the United States, ranking over GE, Microsoft, IBM and Hewlett-Packard.
Jobs, who had been in failing health since being diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and undergoing a liver transplant in 2004, stepped down as CEO on Aug. 24. COO Tim Cook took his place as CEO.
In a move that truly is a sign of the on-demand times, Wikipedia, within minutes of Jobs' death, had updated its Steve Jobs page.
The statement issued by Apple's board of directors was issued late in the afternoon:
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.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, chairman and CEO of DreamWorks, described Jobs as "the Thomas Edison of our time. And in the way that Edison affected so many businesses, so did Steve Jobs."
Jobs directly helped change not only the personal computer business, but he also the music (iTunes) and movie businesses (with Pixar) as well.
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