Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

Apple Inc. co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs passed away tonight after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The following statement was posted on the Apple website:

"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."

Jobs, who launched Apple Computers in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, revolutionized technology with his vision and passion and brought the world the iTunes, iPod, iPhone and the iMac.

After beating pancreatic cancer in 2004, surviving a liver transplant in 2009, he continued to struggle with health issues and in the end stepped down as Apple's CEO in August of this year.

"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come," he stated in his letter of resignation.

He was 56.