Steve made the world a better place. Apple Visionary dies at 56

by Alfred Kola

Visionary Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs has died, aged 56.

Jobs, who co-founded the technology company in 1976 with childhood friend Steve Wozniak, has lost his eight year battle with pancreatic cancer, Apple confirmed this evening.

The mastermind behind the iPhone, iPod and iMac, and dozens of other devices, Jobs is remembered for revolutionizing the way we communicate today.

Steve was a singular figure in American business history. He will go in the pantheon of great American entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators, alongside John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and Sam Walton.

"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family," Jobs' family said in a statement.

"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," said the statement.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called Jobs a visionary leader and one of the greatest U.S. innovators.

"Steve was among the greatest of American innovators -- brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it," Obama said in a statement.

Apple board of directors also said: "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."

Tech leaders also paid tributes Wednesday evening to the late tech genius.

"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death," said Microsoft co-founder and Chairman Bill Gates.

"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," he said.

Google co-founder and CEO Larry Page said: "He (Steve) 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."

Google co-founder Sergey Brin said on Google's social network Google+:"Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product. And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met."

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on his Facebook page: "Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world."