Apple co-founder, former CEO and current chairman of the board Steve Jobs passed away today following his battle with cancer. He was 56.

Steve Jobs co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976 out of his garage in Cupertino, California. Following a turmoil that involved his ouster from the company from 1985 to 1996, rebuilt Apple to become the world’s most prominent technology and design company.

His other company, Pixar Animation Studios, produced breakthrough and commercially successful animated feature films and joined Disney as its premiere animation studio.

Apple released this statement earlier:

Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors

CUPERTINO, Calif. — 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.