Steve Jobs . . . .

. . . . the Chairman of Apple, passed away today, October 5, at age 56.

In our household, we were watching a game show on network television at about 7:45 tonight, when the network's news department interrupted it to present the bulletin reporting Jobs' death. I can't recall such an interruption for a business leader ever before.

Many of us use Apple's products and they have provided the technological infrastructure for increasingly popular social networking, up to and including the political revolutions this past spring in Egypt, Algeria and Libya.

The music industry has been changed forever by the iPod, which will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on October 23rd.

Henry Ford enabled us all to drive and Steve Jobs has helped us all communicate better with each other, as we carry our worlds around in our pockets.

Thank you, Mr. Jobs. Thank you, too, for your bravery and fortitude in the face of serious illness and the grace with which you facilitated a professional transition as your illness overtook you. May you rest in peace and may your family find comfort in your legacy.