Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

With great sadness The Hollywood News reports that Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple passed away yesterday at the age of just 56. Jobs, who built a company that changed technology, culture and business forever, died with his family in California after stepping down as head of the company just six weeks ago. Jobs passed away due to complications related to pancreatic cancer.

Apple released the following statement.

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.

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As well as building up Apple into the brand that we all know and love today, Jobs also co-founded Pixar, creators of such films as TOY STORY, FINDING NEMO and THE INCREDIBLES. In a statement yesterday, Chief Creative Officer, and indeed co-founder of Pixar John Lasseter released this statement along with Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.

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.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.

George Lucas also released a statement on the news of his passing.

The magic of Steve was that while others simply accepted the status quo, he saw the true potential in everything he touched and never compromised on that vision. He leaves behind an incredible family and a legacy that will continue to speak to people for years to come.

We all know that Jobs’s legacy will live on. He certainly did change the way that we all communicate, create and share and his company wil continue to do so for generations to come. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest In Peace.