Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, has passed away at the age of 56, leaving behind a larger-than-life legacy which no proper eulogy could possibly be matched.

Tim Cook, Apple’s new CEO, writes "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".

Here's what Apple's CEO Tim Cook wrote to Apple Staff,

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

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.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

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.

Tim

Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs waves at the conclusion of the launch of the iPad 2 on stage during an Apple event in San Francisco, California in this March 2, 2011 file photograph. 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.

Apple COO Tim Cook (L) and CEO Steve Jobs answers questions during a press conference on antenna problems with the iPhone 4 at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, July 16, 2010.

Apple former Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs stands beneath a photograph of him and Apple-co founder Steve Wozniak from the early days of Apple during the launch of Apple's new "iPad" tablet computing device in San Francisco, California, January 27, 2010.

Steven Jobs

The death of Steve Jobs, 56, on Wednesday marked the end of a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite his highly publicized struggle, Jobs never failed to inspire and enrich those around him as shown in his 2005 commencement speech to Stanford University graduates.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs