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Steve Jobs' death at the age of 56 brings to an end one of the most pioneering lives in the history of technological innovations and creations. The middle-class, college drop-out hippie single-handedly revolutionized the way we look at and live with technology.

Jobs was a long-time patient of a rare form of pancreatic cancer and took several leave of absences from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple Inc., the company he co-founded. Apple announced his death in a brief statement, providing few details: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today."

Following his death on Wednesday, the apple.com Web site opens with Jobs' black-and-white photograph, along with his date of birth and demise; clicking on the image takes the viewer to another page, on which reads: "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Start the slide-show to view key events in Jobs' life.