14 DAY TRIAL // One year ago today, Apple’s board of directors sent out a media advisory to inform the world that the company’s visionary in-chief had passed away at the age of 56. Tim Cook, the newly-instated CEO, followed suit with his own letter to employees announcing “a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life.”
On October 5th, 2011, the Apple Board of Directors sent the following statement to the media.
Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors 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.
To the Apple fan base, the entire world experienced a tremendous loss that day, not just the fruity company at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California.
Under his wing, Apple delivered its most original products, complete with intuitive means of use and breathtaking design, for an unparalleled user experience.
The launch events for the iMac, the MacBook Air, the iPhone, and the iPad were all handled by Steve. These products remain the key pillars of Apple’s multi-billion-dollar business.
A year into his passing, Apple is showing signs of weakness in certain departments. However, some areas within Apple are now working even better under Tim Cook’s guidance. It’s a compromise that remains to be evaluated in the long term to assess the true impact of Jobs’ death.
Cook’s email to employees sent out on October 5, 2011, one day after the iPhone 4S launch, revealed that Apple had a celebratory event planned for their iconic leader.
Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.
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.
We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email [email protected].
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim
Not surprisingly, Remembering Steve is still online.
To this day, people express their deep condolences to the Jobs family, while many continue to address Steve as if he was still among us.