Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., influenced the world with products from the Macintosh computer to the iPad. His death on Wednesday at age 56 prompted an outpouring of remembrances.
Here are some of those statements:
_ “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.” _ Apple CEO Tim Cook, who succeeded Jobs in the role in August.
_ “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.” _ Apple’s board of directors.
_ “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.” _ Steve Jobs’ family.
_ “We’ve lost something we won’t get back. The way I see it, though, the way people love products he put so much into creating means he brought a lot of life to the world.” _ Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
_ “For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.” _ Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates.
_ “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.” _ The Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger.
“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.’” _ Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios chief creative officer John Lasseter and president Ed Catmull.
“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.”
And, in a separate tweet: “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.” _ President Barack Obama.
_ “Steve was a larger-than-life personality _ passionate about music and one of its biggest fans and advocates. He was a true visionary who forever transformed how fans access and enjoy music. With the introduction of the iTunes software and other platforms, Steve and Apple made it once again easy and accepted to pay for music. His legacy will live on, long past his all-too-short time on Earth.” _ Cary Sherman, CEO, Recording Industry Association of America.
“Today, we lost one of the most influential thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs of all time. Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation. While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I’m reminded of the stunning impact he had in revolutionizing the way people consume media and entertainment.” _ News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch.
_ “Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come.” _ Dell Inc. founder and CEO Michael Dell.
_ “Steve Jobs was a great visionary and a respected competitor. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all of the employees of Apple.” _ Research in Motion Ltd. co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie
_ “The genius of Steve Jobs, a man I’ve known for 40 years, not only brought to life the visual magic and brilliant storytelling of Pixar, but brought the world one of the most innovative and successful platforms to make movies and TV available online at the click of a mouse. He was a pioneer, and helped all of us better understand how technologists and creators can work together to enrich and enliven our shared world.” _ Sen. Chris Dodd, CEO, Motion Picture Association of America.
_ “He humanized technology and made it work in wondrous ways that genuinely improved our lives.” _ The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
_ “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.” _ Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
_ “I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me. He was very kind to reach out to me as I became CEO of Google and spend time offering his advice and knowledge even though he was not at all well. My thoughts and Google’s are with his family and the whole Apple family.” _ Google CEO Larry Page.
“The digital age has lost its leading light, but Steve’s innovation and creativity will inspire dreamers and thinkers for generations,” Sony Corp. President and CEO Howard Stringer.
_ “Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives.” _ California Gov. Jerry Brown.
_ “Steve Jobs was a California icon who embodied Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit of creativity and optimism. By revolutionizing communications, he touched the lives of billions of people around the world.” _ U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.
_ “I believe history will remember Steve Jobs as one of the greatest innovators of all time, the Thomas Edison of the 21st Century. And I will also remember him as someone who had my total admiration for his unwavering dedication to improving mankind.” _ U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif.
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