The news today is dominated by the death of Steve Jobs. Of course, we have all had a long, long time to get prepared for this news. It was, unfortunately inevitable. But it has still hit me hard.
Since 1983, when I first got my hands on a Lisa, Apple has been a crucial part of my personal, my family and my business life. My daughter overcame her dyslexia because of the Mac. Richard Holway Ltd, formed in 1985, used Apple from the very start. iPods, iPhones and iPads litter my house. And my grandson is a great fan of everything that comes out of Pixar.
The affection I have for all of these things is huge. I think my very first iPod Touch is still the most beautiful object I own. There is no other ‘make’ of goods for which I have any similar level of affection.
I’ve likened Jobs to my other hero – Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Both achieved greatness across many different things – bridges, railways, tunnels, buildings, ships in the case of Brunel. Both were passionate workaholics. Both were sticklers for detail. Both died young. Both had, or in the case of Jobs will have, huge effects on our lives for many years, decades, centuries after their death.
I could say ‘the world is poorer for his death’. But, much more appropriate, is that we are all the richer in our lives for what Steve Jobs brought us. Thankyou Steve. We will never forget you.