Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, has succumbed to illness and died at the age of 56.

“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” read a statement on Apple’s website. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor.”

Jobs had been suffering from multiple illnesses after surviving pancreatic cancer back in 2004 and the technology and cultural leader took a leave of absence from the company beginning in January of this year.

Citing his failing health, Jobs left his position as CEO of the company he helped co-found in August because he was unable to “meet my duties and expectations” and continue in his position.

Jobs was known to be demanding but inspired his team to look for innovative ways to bring personal computing to the individual. Besides developing the Macintosh PC, Jobs was the visionary behind iTunes, the iPod and iPhone, among many other advances.

Recalling his interactions with Jobs over three decades as “colleagues, competitors and friends,” Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said “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. “

[image: WENN]

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