Steve Jobs, Chairman, co-founder and former CEO of Apple, passed away today according to a statement issued by the Apple board of directors. He was 56.

Jobs had been struggling with cancer since 2004.

Here’s the board’s statement:

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 stepped down as Apple CEO in August. At that time, SiliconAngle founder John Furrier wrote this tribute to the man.