Shrines to Steve Jobs Placed Outside Washington's Apple Stores

Shrines to the late technology innovator Steve Jobs appeared overnight in front of the region's Apple stores.

"'I want to put a ding in the universe'" reads a small sign placed in front of the Bethesda store.  "You will forever be our inspiration!"  The placard is signed 'American University Students.'

Fans placed similar memorials in front of the stores in Georgetown and in Arlington.  In addition to the written messages, admirers placed flowers and apples.

President Barack Obama issued a statement overnight about the late Apple co-founder.  "The world has lost a visionary," he wrote. "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."

Steve Jobs died at the age of 56 surrounded by his family after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His company's technology products changed the way people accessed and exchanged information.  The college drop out unveiled the first Apple computer on April Fool's Day in 1976.

Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004, and had a liver transplant in 2009.  His final public appearance was the unveiling of Apple's iPad 2 this past June.   

Jobs stepped down from his role as Apple's CEO in August, after taking an extended medical leave of absence.  He is survived by his wife and four children.

Apple has set up an e-mail address for people to leave their thoughts, memories and condolences.  It is rememberingsteve@apple.com.

A rumor has circled that Apple's latest release of the iPhone, called the iPhone 4S, was named "for Steve."  A spokesperson told News4 that there is no truth to that rumor.

Contact Us