Executives and politicians comment on the death of Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former chief executive officer of Apple Inc., Bloomberg is reporting:
U.S. President Barack Obama.
“The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”
Bill Gates, chairman and founder of Microsoft Corp.
“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.”
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple
“It felt a lot like you just heard that John Lennon got shot, or JFK, or Martin Luther King.
“He was one of those cool guys. He knew technology. He understood it. We talked about the philosophies of the day –the counterculture was strong, the hippy movement, words in songs — and went to concerts together. It was a strong friendship.
“I think most people are going to miss the great products. That’s why we are stunned so much. It’s going to be hard to sleep tonight.”
Robert Iger, chief executive officer of Walt Disney Co.
“Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted adviser. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built.
“It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an ‘original,’ with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started.”
California Governor Jerry Brown
“Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish.
“Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife, Laurene, and their entire family.”
John Sculley, a former Apple chief executive officer.
“Steve Jobs was intensely passionate at making an important difference in the lives of his fellow humans while he was on this planet. He never was into money or measured his life through owning stuff.
John Lasseter, chief creative officer and president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.
“Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family.
“He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined.”
George Lucas, chairman of Lucasfilm Ltd.
“The magic of Steve was that while others simply accepted the status quo, he saw the true potential in everything he touched and never compromised on that vision.
“He leaves behind an incredible family and a legacy that will continue to speak to people for years to come.”
Howard Stringer, chairman of Sony Corp.
“The digital age has lost its leading light, but Steve’s innovations and creativity will inspire dreamers and thinkers for generations.”
The rest of the article is here.
Some memories of Jobs from the Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg is here.
Here’s a photo of Jobs at a dinner with tech leaders and Obama in February. He is sitting next to the President.
(credit: White House)
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