Steve Jobs

Yesterday, I read the news that Steve Jobs had passed away. I can only remember one other non-family person's death that had a simlar effect on me: Jim Henson.

Both of these creative luminaries died well before their time. Both spawned companies that are now at the top of their respective branches and are recognised by name immediately.

Both inspired me as a child and continue to do so today.

Watching Sesame Street is one of the earliest memories I have as a child. The Muppet Show followed not too long after and I still consider The Dark Crystal one of the best fantasy movies ever made. Jim Henson's name was synonymous to entertainment, fantastic effects and engaging stories for me.


Steve Jobs' name had a similar effect. To me, Apple was a massive part of my life during the 80's and early 90's. Most of my social life consisted of going to Apple meetings or meeting up with friends to swap or play games on the Apple ][+, //e or //gs we had at home. It was also the platform I first programmed on. Both of these facts now dominate my life as a programmer in the computer games industry.

I am understandably sad at the passing of Steve, but I am also hopeful that Jobs will have something else in common with Henson: Henson's legacy still lives on today and still inspires people. His legacy is immesurable in the movie industry. Let's see what Jobs' legacy will be.