Remembering Steve Jobs

Update at 11 p.m. Wednesday

Millions today are absorbing the news of Apple founder Steve Jobs’ death at age 56.

In a statement released Wednesday, the former Apple chief’s family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones:

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

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.

Apple remade its homepage with this message:

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.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Some quick facts on Jobs’ remarkable life, according to Wikipedia:

• 1955: Born February 24, 1955 in San Francisco
• 1973: Graduated Homestead High School in Cupertino, CA
• 1976: Founded Apple
• 1984: Introduced Macintosh computer
• 1985: Fired from Apple
• 1996: Returned to Apple
• 2007: Introduced iPhone
• 2010: Introduced iPad

Jobs is listed as a primary or co-inventor on 338 U.S. patents that include computers, speakers, power adapters and keyboards — far too many to include in a poll.

Whatever consumers think of Apple’s products or approach to gaining market share in a highly competitive arena, Jobs’ untimely death offers an opportunity to reflect on one man’s remarkable legacy.

Each of us likely has been touched in some way by what Jobs leaves behind. Please use this space to share your thoughts on his passing.

Original Story

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Steve Jobs died today after a long battle with cancer.

Apple.com has posted a memorial to Jobs on the site reading, "Steve Jobs, 1955-2011."

This news comes just hours after the , one of the Apple giant's latest technological advances.

As we reflect on the loss of Jobs, please share your Apple memories, which we all owe to the man who started it all.

Rest in Peace.