Steve Jobs, Apple's Co-Founder and former CEO, passed away on October 5, 2011. He was 56.

Born in 1955, Jobs co-founded Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak in 1976. Together, the two created the Apple II, the industry's first personal computer. Jobs achieved great success with Apple Computer in the early days, but in 1984 he found himself being forced out of the company he had created, and being replaced as CEO. Leaving Apple, Jobs was determined to prove himself once more.

In 1986, Steve Jobs founded NeXT computers, and developed high-end systems with the software to match. Later, Jobs saw value in the graphics division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., which was up for sale at the time, purchased it, and launched Pixar, a company that revolutionized film animation with numerous blockbusters, including the Toy Story franchise. Despite his success after leaving Apple, however, Jobs was still not satisfied with how the events of the past had played out. In 1997, Steve Jobs returned to a then struggling Apple, which purchased NeXT, and became the company's CEO once again.

Back at the company he co-founded, Jobs wasted no time turning Apple around from the hard times it had experienced during his absence. Jobs and his team went to work designing and developing new PCs unlike any that had been seen before. The iMac was born, and quickly became one of Apple's most popular products. The company also found success with the iPod and iTunes, which changed the music industry, making it easy for music lovers to purchase the music they loved, and carry their entire collection of music with them wherever they went.

In 2007, the mobile phone industry was about to be shaken up and experience drastic changes, though they probably didn't know it at the time. Steve Jobs and Apple introduced the iPhone, launching a smartphone frenzy, which has given birth to numerous competitors, and has changed the way people think of their mobile devices. The iPhone was then followed by the iPad, which quickly spawned an entirely new category of mobile device. Unlike the failed PC operating system based tablet devices of the past, Jobs and Apple based their tablet on the success of the iPhone's operating system, creating an easy to use creation and consumption device that has been wildly successful, and the standard every competitor tablet device is now held to. Jobs didn't stop there, though. He also led Apple on a mission to continue to develop its personal computer products. In doing so, the company has seen steady growth with the continued popularity of the iMac, the MacBook Pro, and the MacBook Air. Over the years, Apple has built a reputation for bringing consumers high-end products that are well designed, well built, and easy to use. It was a standard Steve Jobs had set for Apple many years earlier, as he steered the company along a course that has made it one of the most popular and successful businesses in history.

Though all was going well for Apple, over the years Jobs found his health was failing. He developed pancreatic cancer, and later underwent a liver transplant. He was forced to take several medical leaves of absence, but continued working at the job he loved, and made numerous appearances to deliver the keynote addresses he had become so well known for, introducing innovative new products to the public like a proud father showing off his children. On August 24th, however, Jobs was forced to make a tough decision. He stepped down as Apple's CEO, no longer able to carry out the daily duties he knew he would need to perform, and named Tim Cook as his successor. Upon hearing of Jobs' passing, Apple's Board of Directors released the following statement:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

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.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

New Apple CEO Tim Cook stated:

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.

Steve Jobs will be remembered for his creative contributions and his innovative spirit. It is rare when an individual comes along, and makes such a big impact on the world, and in the lives of others. His numerous achievements cannot be denied, nor his unique vision. He will be missed.