Today we’re reflecting on what would have been Steve Jobs’ 68th birthday, celebrating the life of the co-founder and former CEO of Apple.
Steve Jobs and his business partner at the time Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976 and directed the development of some of the first personal computers, turning their garage start-up into what the world’s first trillion-dollar company, with over 500 stores in 24 countries around the world selling arguably the best smartphones, computers and tablets in the industry.
Born in 1955, Steve was the child of Joanne Simpson and Abdulfattah “John” Jandali, but was adopted and raised by Paul and Clara Jobs.
Jobs grew up in Cupertino, California, where he graduated from High School and enrolled in Reed College, Portland. Steve famously dropped out of college and became a ‘drop-in’ student, attending art and philosophy classes while sleeping in friends’ dorms.
Steve Jobs was the public face of Apple for much of its history. He represented a belief in premium design and craftsmanship that produced a seemingly endless array of highly acclaimed products such as the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad.
In a biography by veteran technology reporter Brent Schlender and Fast Company executive editor Rick Tetzeli, it was revealed that Steve Jobs refused to accept Tim Cooks offer to transplant a portion of his functioning liver. – “He cut me off at the legs, almost before the words were out of my mouth,” said Cook. “‘No,’ he said. ‘I’ll never let you do that. I’ll never do that.’”.
Revealed within an interview by historian John Markoff as part of “An Evening with Original iPhone Innovators & Engineers” at the Computer History Museum, former Apple executive Scott Forstall shared how Steve Jobs seemingly saved his life during a period of serious illness.
Steve Jobs passed away on October 5th, 2011 at the age of 56 following a battle with pancreatic cancer in the years leading up to his death. When the news broke of his “peaceful” passing surrounded by his family, Apple acknowledging his death by flying company flags at half mast outside their headquarters in Cupertino, California, with fans of the company leaving tributes outside Apple Stores around the world.