Apple founder, Steve Jobs, passed away on Wednesday [October 5]

Apple founder, Steve Jobs, passed away on Wednesday [October 5] at the age of 56, succumbing to pancreatic cancer.

The company announced his death this week. However, did not give any specific cause.

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today, the company said in a brief statement. Steve's brilliance, passion & energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich & improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

Jobs had been diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. While those suffering can live as long as 20 years with the disease, it obviously wasn't the case with the Apple visionary.

His cancer eventually spread to his liver, so he was forced to have a liver transplant in 2009 & took an extended medical leave from Apple last January.

Even after a liver transplant, the cancer can recur, which may have been what happened in Jobs' case.

Jobs started Apple with a high school friend in a Silicon Valley garage in 1976, but 10 years later, he was forced out of the company. Eventually, in 1997, he returned to rescue the company he helped build. During his second stint, it grew into the most valuable technology company in the world with a market value of $351 billion.

He's responsible for inventing & masterfully marketing ever-sleeker gadgets that transformed everyday technology, from the personal computer to the iPod & iPhone.

Jobs is survived by his wife Laurene, whom he has two daughters & a son with. He also has another daughter from a previous relationship.

Young Steve Jobs

His death became a trending topic on Wednesday, drawing actions from Apple fans, as well as celebrities & political figures.

Steve was among the greatest of American innovators -- brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, & talented enough to do it, said President Obama in a statement. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, & achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death, said Microsoft founder, Bill Gates. Melinda & I extend our sincere condolences to his family & friends, & to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve & I first met nearly 30 years ago, & have been colleagues, competitors & 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.

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