Steve Jobs Mourned by Qualcomm's Jacobs, Apple and the World

Updated at 10 p.m. Wednesday

Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple and its former CEO, was being mourned around the world Wednesday after his death from pancreatic cancer. He was 56.

Paul Jacobs of La Jolla, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm, told La Jolla Patch via email:

We have all lost someone special today.  I had a number of opportunities to meet and talk with Steve Jobs over the years. He was always a bold visionary and a risk taker, and a tough businessman as well.  

The products and technologies he and his team at Apple worked on will continue to influence the wireless industry and people's everyday lives for many years to come.  I offer my condolences to his family, friends and the employees of Apple.

Jobs started Apple in 1976 with Steve Wozniak, his childhood friend. Together, they created and marketed the world's first "personal computer," the Apple II.

He resigned as the company's CEO on Aug. 25.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement by Apple's board of directors.

"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."

Jobs was the mastermind behind Apple, and its popular array of personal electronic devices like the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. He was instrumental in the rebirth of the company, and will be remembered as a leader and visionary in the technology world.

"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know," Mr. Jobs said in his resignation letter. "Unfortunately, that day has come."

Jobs had been ailing for some time. According to reports, in 2004, he publicly announced that he had pancreatic cancer. In 2009, Jobs received a liver transplant.

At San Diego-area Apple retail stores, patrons shared their respect for Jobs and their devotion to his company's products.

Conrad Jones, an East County resident, was in the Fashion Valley store when a male employee walked up to a female employee and whispered in her ear. She burst into tears. Jones thought she had suffered a personal tragedy, but soon learned that Jobs had died.

Jones, who is starting his own business, said he is proud that Jobs developed a U.S. company that is a world leader in its industry. He said will remain a devoted Apple user.

”I love it,” Jones said. “I will never buy another type of computer. Apples are amazing.” 

Jeff Veldervaint of Point Loma asked store employees why there wasn't a memorial up yet because he expected to see teddy bears and candles left for Jobs.

His wife said he has “been bummed” since he heard word of Jobs' death.

Veldervaint said he switched over to Apples from PCs after the first iPhone came out and even owns stock in the company now. 

“He wasn't a movie star or on TV all the time, but he's somebody who left a great legacy,” he said.

In August, a Palo Alto Patch columnist what it was like being Jobs' neighbor, saying, "As I walked by with my son, Steve smiled and said, 'Hi Lisen.' My son thought I was the coolest mom in town when he realized The Steve Jobs knew me.

"Thanks for the coolness points, Steve."

In addition to Apple, Jobs was an early investor of the highly successful Pixar Animation Studios.

State Attorney General Kamala Harris said:

California has lost a great leader with the passing of Steve Jobs. His character, intelligence, and creativity changed how the world works and how the world imagines itself. We are forever grateful and inspired by the gift he has given us. I send my thoughts and sympathies to Laurene and the entire Jobs family.

PATCH COVERAGE ELSEWHERE

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Huffington Post: Updated Coverage of Steve Jobs Death

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