As you have probably heard by now, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, Inc. passed away today, Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at the age of 56.

Apple’s Board of Directors has issued a statement, which you can read below.

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.

In addition, Steve Jobs’ family also issued a statement:

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.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO since Steve Jobs resigned from the position in August, sent an e-mail to Apple employees, which you can read below.

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

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

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

As many of us know, Steve Jobs has battled pancreatic cancer in the past, even having surgery related to this illness. In addition, Steve Jobs has taken leaves of absence from his role of Apple’s CEO a few times in the last few years. However, it was not until this past August, when Steve Jobs officially stepped down from his position of CEO of Apple, Inc., recommending that Tim Cook be named Apple’s new CEO. Jobs was also appointed as the Chairmen of Apple’s Board of Directors after he resigned from his duties as CEO.

Below is the e-mail that Jobs sent to Apple’s Board of Directors when he announced his resignation from his position of Apple’s CEO.

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

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.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Also, yesterday was Apple’s first Keynote presentation, launching the newest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4S, led by Tim Cook, where Steve Jobs was not Apple’s CEO.

If you visit the Apple website, you’ll notice that the website is featuring an image of Steve Jobs, which is the image that is included in this blog post, which, when clicked, will bring users to a page dedicated to Jobs.

Steve Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of our time, creating revolutionary products that many people use each and every single day, as well as bringing Apple, Inc. to be one of the most influential technology companies in the world.

It’s a privilege to be able to use the products that Steve Jobs created, such as the iPhone, iPod Touch, iTunes, and the Mac computer and I would like to thank Steve for all of the hard work and dedication that he put into creating these products and services that changed the world.

Rest in Peace, Steve. You will be missed.