Steve Jobs is Dead (1955-2011)

Steve Jobs is dead on October 5, 2011 (aged 56).

I was first told about the sad news by my wife via text in the Oct 6 morning, Malaysia. I was like “Are you kidding me? A day after iPhone 4S announcement?”

No joke. Steve Jobs passed away.

Considering Steve Jobs’ health condition, I was not surprised by his death but I wasn’t expecting it to come that soon, 2 months after his resignation as CEO of Apple in August.

Apple.com has taken down everything and put up Steve Jobs’s portrait on the front page. Here is Apple.com’s tribute:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost and 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 build, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

According to Steve Job’s family statement, “Steve died peacefully today (Oct 5) surrounded by his family.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer issued a statement,

“I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary. My heart goes out to his family, everyone at Apple and everyone who has been touched by his work.”

Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, has also issued a statement on his personal website, The Gates Notes:

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.

Thank you, Steve Jobs. Thanks for founded Apple. Thanks for NeXT & Mac OS X. Thanks for Pixar. Thanks for Mac computers. Thanks for iDevices. Thanks for the inspirations.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email: rememberingsteve@apple.com