Steve Jobs Passes Away @ 56. Remembering Steve Through His Stanford Speech

Steve Jobs, one of the greatest visionary of our times died peacefully at the age of 56 few hours ago. Apple board of directors confirmed the news through an email to their employees. Apple.com is now dedicated to Steve Jobs. Apple has already put up a page in this memory on the site: http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/. Steve stepped down as the CEO of Apple just few weeks ago, saying the following in his last mail - “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”

Steve Jobs had been battling with Cancer and in 2004 had a major operation. In the recent past, his illness forced him to take medical leave and even step down as the CEO. Steve, however, remained on the Apple board and an Apple employee. After each of his breaks, he returned with more awesomeness to launch world changing products. In 2007, Steve launched the iPhone and then in 2010, he changed the world with iPad. His recent stage appearance was at WWDC 2011 where he unveiled the iOS 5 and OSX Lion along with iCloud. It’s very unfortunate that we won’t see Steve Jobs delivering keynotes in his famous ‘Steve Jobs Style’.

Steve Jobs delivered his famous speech to the Stanford University students in 2005. The speech is one of the most popular videos on YouTube and very inspiring.

Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors

CUPERTINO, Calif. — 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.

The statement from Jobs’ family:

Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.

RIP Steve Jobs. Thank you!