Thanks, Steve. You were one of us…

October 5, 2011 - By Justin E. Gehrke

Today, the world lost a great man. Steve Jobs was a brilliant businessman. He was a natural salesman. Beneath it all, though, Steve was a geek.

He knew what we, as geeks, wanted. He knew what would get our brains moving and hearts pumping. He understood that power, speed and functionality could be beautifully packaged in such a way that all the world would want to have it as their own. He knew and understood because he was one of us.

As I look around my house, I see so many things that are directly attributable to his pioneering vision and unquestionable leadership. An Apple TV in the entertainment center…a 5th generation iPod Classic lying next to an iMac…an iPhone 4 on the kitchen counter…an iPad in my lap…and, of course, the iPhone 4 on which I write this.

I will not lie. It brings a tear to my eye. No, I will not weep. I will not mourn. You may call me a fan boy, but I will not mind. I was…and always will be…a fan of Steve. He changed my life, through his technological vision. He changed the way we communicate. Through all of these things, he essentially changed the way we “think”.

Lest we forget, he was more than a CEO. His family has lost a father and husband. His friends and close colleagues undoubtedly suffer, as well. You and I have lost, too. Yes, Apple will go on. Steve’s legacy will live on. Sadly, though, it will never be quite as magical without him.

Rest in peace, Steve. Thanks for everything.