I shed my tears when Steve Jobs stepped down less than six weeks ago. That's when I knew it was over. The news came to me last night during a board dinner. My 18 year old daughter kik'd me. I asked her if she was sure. She said "it's all over twitter". I interrupted the lively dinner conversation. "I've got some important news. Steve Jobs has passed away". Six entrepreneurs and VCs in that room. Among the best I've ever worked with. And not one of us said anything for a minute or two. What can you say?
The iconic entrepreneur of the information age is gone. We are all mortal. Steve more so than his peers it seems. But really he had no peer. There are great entrepreneurs all over the place. But Steve was better than all of them. He is a role model for entrepreneurs everywhere. And so many entrepreneurs use him as such.
So we've lost the man. He will no longer bring us great products. He will no longer bring us the future in the present.
But we've gained a legend. He will inspire others to bring us great products. He will inspire others to bring us the future in the present.
May he rest in peace.
