Apple’s co-founder Steven P. Jobs, whose legacy includes the Apple II, Macintosh, iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad, has passed away today at the age of 56.

Apple had recently announced Steve Jobs resignation as CEO in August , and handed down the position to Tim Cook the former chief operating officer for Apple. Today, Tim Cook sent out a memo to all Apple employees announcing his passing.

“Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.
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.
We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com. No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim”

At a Stanford commencement speech in 2005, Jobs spoke about death and its value as a force against ones achievements.

"Death is very likely the best invention of life," he said in the speech. "All pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."

We will miss you Steve Jobs. Leave your thoughts below.
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