“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” the words echoed from a brief statement by Apple.  

“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.”

I did not know Steve Jobs. I have never met,  interviewed, called, or otherwise had any interaction with the former CEO of Apple. Yet the sense of loss I feel at his passing is profound. 

Steve Jobs was a visionary in the world of computers and technology.  He blurred the line between the sleek, intuitive gadgets I grew up with on my favorite science fiction programs and the reality of the sleek, intuitive gadgets I now have in my pocket. The fact that I am writing this post on a handheld device (iPhone) that in every way makes Mr. Spock's tricorder look the inferior product, makes me smile. 

I will go home tonight and read "Shatner Rules" on my iPad (iPADD). Friday I will order a new iPhone, the latest flavor, and squeal with delight at it's groundbreaking voice recognition abilities and have far greater luck than Scotty (Hello Computer) ever did. 

I find this all rather fitting. 

Pancreatic cancer might have taken Steve Jobs from this world at far to young an age, but his legacy, his Trek-like vision of technology's mobile future will not only live on... it will  prosper.