Steve Jobs passed away yesterday, Wednesday October 5, 2011, at the age of 56. As the chairman and co-founder of Apple, Jobs certainly changed the way we use and think about technology with his intense interest in making it better, easier to use and more beautiful.

Matthew Panzarino from Nextweb said the following about Jobs:

As an orphan of immigrant parentage who rose to the literal pinnacle of his calling through hard work and invention, Jobs epitomizes the American myth. When coupled with his obvious skill as a CEO and public speaker, it made him a fascinating character to watch. When you’re passionate about something, when you live and breathe it, it shows.

Jobs died peacefully and is survived by his wife Laurene and four children and they will miss him as a man who “cherished his family.”  The rest of us will miss him in a less intimate, but somehow still personal, way.

The following quote was said about the passing of Steve Jobs:

President Barack Obama:

Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it…

…. The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.

Most fans of Clay Aiken can remember seeing Clay using his iPhone.  Texting seemed to be a way of life for him.  I also remember finding out that Ben Cohn used iPads instead of sheet music.  He even convinced the Tried & True back-up band to use them too.

I am sure the entire world is mourning this wonderful man.  We join Clay in remembering the life of Steve Jobs and celebrating the many ways he changed the world.

IMAGE CREDIT: JONATHAN MA  for Apple profile