Online tribute to Steve Jobs

Apple Inc co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, counted among the greatest American CEOs of his generation, died on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56, after a years-long and highly public battle with cancer and other health issues. Here's how some of the most renowned men in the world paid online tribute to the Apple visionary: Barack Obama: The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve's wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him. (AFP/Jewel Samad)

Bill Gates: The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. (BCCL/Amrendra Jha)

Tim Cook: 'No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much'. In this July 16, 2010, file photo, Apple COO Tim Cook (L) and CEO Steve Jobs are seen together during a news conference on antenna problems with the iPhone 4 at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple Inc co-founder and former CEO Jobs, counted among the greatest American CEOs of his generation, died on October 5, 2011 at the age of 56, after a years-long and highly public battle with cancer and other health issues. (Reuters/Kimberly White)

Mark Zuckerberg: Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you. (AFP/Justin Sullivan)

Steven Spielberg: Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips.  (Reuters/Phil McCarten)

Bob Iger: Steve was such an 'original,' with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. (AP)

John Lasseter: Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply 'make it great.' He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar's DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time. (Reuters)

Roger Ebert: I got one of the first Macs, and my relationship with computers fundamentally changed. In both of his incarnations at Apple, he was a visionary. He provided tools. His victories were based on imagination and courage.  (Reuters)

JJ Abrams: There are so few people who are undeniably, brilliantly inspiring. Steve Jobs, a man who changed the way we create, the way we communicate, the way we live, was one of those people. I already miss knowing he is out there. (Reuters)

Google posted this link to pay tribute to Apple visionary Steve Jobs.