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.
