Steven P. Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple who helped usher in the era of personal computers and then led a cultural transformation in the way music, movies and mobile communications were experienced in the digital age, died Wednesday. He was 56.
The death was announced by Apple, the company Mr. Jobs and his high school friend Stephen Wozniak started in 1976 in a suburban California garage.
A friend of the family said that Mr. Jobs died of complications from his long battle with pancreatic cancer, with which he waged a long and public struggle, remaining the face of the company even as he underwent treatment. He continued to introduce new products for a global market in his trademark blue jeans even as he grew gaunt and frail.
Sad news out of Cupertino. While I don’t subscribe to the hero-worship that seems to be somewhat common amongst users of his products, it is unfortunate to see a visionary who has unquestionably influenced the lives of tens of millions of people and single-handedly changed numerous industries (music, computer, and animated-movies). His vision and spirit will be missed.
