stevejobsobit

Although this is a blog primarily about Microsoft technologies I have never faulted anyone in their technology choices.  Today the world has lost a true visionary and for that we all, no matter what your technology preferences, are a bit poorer for his loss but also richer for the impact Steve Jobs had on this industry and the world.  RIP.

The following statement was issued by his 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.

The following is from a press release Apple posted earlier today:

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.

This is posted at the Apple Steve Jobs page at their website:

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.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Bill Gates posted this to his Facebook Wall:

I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.

Mark Zuckerberg posted this on his Facebook Wall:

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.

Larry Page, one of Google’s founders, posted this to Google+:

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.

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, made this statement concerning the death of Steve Jobs:

“I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary. My heart goes out to his family, everyone at Apple and everyone who has been touched by his work.”

This is what Google did with their home page in memoriam of Steve Jobs:

stevejobsgoogletributeonhomepage

Picked this tribute picture up from a tweet – posted on Tumblr but not sure where it originated from:

Updated 07 October 2011: Based on this story at NeoWin this graphic was created by Jonathan Mak, a 19 year old Hong Kong student.

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News Coverage (updated as necessary; most recent additions at the bottom)

I closed this blog post out at 11PM EDT on 05 Oct 2011. 127 stories linked above.