Apple's co-founder and former CEO, Steve Jobs, who's been battling a rare form of pancreatic cancer for years and had a liver transplant in 2009, has passed away at the age of 56.

Jobs, the visionary behind the iPhone, the iPod and the iMac, co-founded Apple Computer along with Steve Wozniak in 1976. Together they launched the Apple II computer, the first popular desktop computer, the following year.

Silicon Valley venture capitalist Roger McNamee, a former colleague of Jobs, said, "It boggles the mind to think of all the things that Steve Jobs did ... Any one of [his accomplishments] would have qualified him as one of the great executives in American history, the sum of which put him in a place where no one else has ever been before. To me he is of his era what Thomas Edison was to the beginning of the 20th century."

A statement on Apple's website reads:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

A statement from Apple's Board of Directors reads:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. 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 is survived by his wife and four children. A statement from his family reads:

Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.

[NPR]

More From TSM Interactive