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 exchanged information. He was a famous micro-manager with big ideas that resonated around the world and back millions of times.
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.
Apple’s board of directors issued the following statement late in the afternoon of Oct. 5:
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.
To read the original eWeek article, click here: Steve Jobs, IT Giant, Dies at 56