I remember reading the headlines about Steve’s mighty return to Apple when I was in high school.  I remember when Giblet Amelio was kicked out by the board of directors and Steve became the iCEO.  I remember many product launches, new initiatives, and standing ovations.

I remember watching, in person, at Macworld 2007 the launch of the iPhone.

I love what I’ve been able to gather about his personality, his willingness to kick bad ideas to the curb, and his strong will.  I love his hard work and dedication, as evidenced by his persistence and drive for excellence throughout several illnesses over the years.  I have as much respect for the man as much as someone who has never met him can have.

I know there will be rampant speculation on the reasons for his resignation, and it isn’t unreasonable to believe it is related to his health.  Like anyone suffering from a chronic illness, it’s best to be supportive, to offer encouragement and respect, and most of all: to let them have their privacy.

Steve Jobs, I salute you.

Update 1: Giblet Amelio is a reference to an old Mac Addict article where Word’s spell checker wanted to replace Gilbert with Giblet.