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Bill Gates: “I Will Miss Steve Immensely”

October 5, 2011 by Ben Parr

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and longtime rival of Steve Jobs, has issued a statement expressing his sadness at the passing of Steve Jobs.

In it, Gates describes their relationship as one of “colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.”

Gates’s full statement is included below:

“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

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.”