Steve Jobs Confirms Serious Illness
January 14th, 2009This is one of those stories I haven’t wanted to write, so I’ll simply quote a media advisory sent over the wire services on Wednesday afternoon from Steve Jobs, which pretty much confirms the serious nature of his ongoing illness:
“Team,
“I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
“In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
“I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
“I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.”
Everyone at The Night Owl sends Steve Jobs best wishes for a speedy recovery, with the hope that this is a schedule he’ll beat.
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As an unabashed fanboy myself, I’m trying to put together as comprehensive of a collection of information that I can find, legitimate or speculative. I’ve thrown it together into a video playlist.
http://www.redux.com/playlist/apples_steve_jobs_health
Keep your fingers crossed for one of the most inspirational leaders of our generation…
DJ
As a long time Mac user and former Apple Employee, I ask you to please indulge some personal comments.
I am including Steve and his family in my prayers, and if you are spiritual in any sense, I ask you to do the same in your fashion.
Steve has perhaps had more impact on bringing new technology to market than any other lone individual. True, he’s not an inventor and never has been. What he has been is an implementor, almost to the point of being a conduit for technology. The GUI concept that IBM was ready to abandon, USB as a standard feature, Firewire, and the entire concept of an integrated computing appliance, and of course the concept that form over function often means form providing function.
When Steve returned to Apple his position was described as “interim” and/or “temporary”. I’ve never held a temporary position this long, which speaks to Steve’s love of his work. Although not the most patient man on the planet, he has a knack for committing to a course of action and navigating that course determinedly. It is my hope and prayer that his course is now set for wellness so that, at Apple or not, his life may continue to be meaningful and rewarding.
Peace,
Adam