Apple Devotes Entire Home Page To Jerome York Obituary

Giles Turnbull ()

20100318-york.jpg

If ever you needed a sign that Apple was a different kind of technology company, this is it.

What other computer manufacturer would remove its top-selling, hype-inducing, industry-altering new product from the prime spot on its website home page, and replace it with an obituary to an investor?

This is one of those “Here’s to the crazy ones” moments, a corporate action that is uniquely personal. This is one of those times when the vast corporate entity that is Apple speaks with a very human, very uncorporate tone.

Jerome York was a huge figure in the auto and technology business sectors. Apple’s tribute to him is a reflection of just how important a role he played in the company’s early history.

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About the author

gilest

Giles Turnbull is a freelance writer in England. He writes for the Press Association and The Morning News. He has a website you can ignore and a Twitter account you needn't follow.

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Posted in Apple, News, Opinions, Top stories |

  • http://web.me.com/giosaccone GioSaccone

    This is a nice thought by Apple…. R.I.P.

  • FromOZ

    Not just a different kind of technology company; but a different kind of company. Apart from, one hopes, this being a genuine statement by Apple I could not help pondering… could I ever see Microsoft doing something like this…. Nah, never.

    Anyway, just look at the page – even in saying goodbye to someone Apple is stylish.

    All of the above is why we buy Apple.

  • http://thatisright.blogspot.com H. Michael Karshis

    Wow, nice take on this Giles. This rare, personal corporate gesture is why I love Apple – their sincere respect and “Stop the presses!” front-page acknowledgment of such a vital part of their leadership team reminds us all that life is oh so precious and really too damn short. Turn off your iPhone, take a walk around the block and count your blessings. That’s what I’m gonna do right now. Rest in Peace Mr. York.

  • David S.

    I’m thinking that if Eric Schmidt suddenly died Apple might note his passing somewhat differently…

  • http://www.toxicspark.com Andrew Macdonald

    Well done Apple for doing this.

    If Steve Jobs wasn’t the person who insisted on this tribute, the person who did suggest it deserves some praise. Well done!!!

  • Ramón

    At a pivotal time, when Apple was focused on launching a new product, they stopped and reflected on Jerome York’s relationship and contributions to their company and honored that by placing their thoughts and feelings on their main page.
    Well done, Apple.

  • John Branch

    I applaud Apple’s gesture, but I could quibble with the final phrase in this post: “the company’s early history” might be better worded as “the company’s earlier history.” Judging from the screen cap, Jerry York joined Apple’s board in 1997. But (according to apple-history.com) the company dates back to 1976. A lot had happened by 1997, including the departure and return of Steve Jobs.

  • http://retromaccast.ning.com/profile/JamesWages James Wages

    It was without a doubt, Steve Jobs who made this happen. But then again, Apple is Steve Jobs. And so that is why “early history” is now defined as “when Steve returned in 1997.”

    When Steve passes on one day, not matter how “institutionalized” some say Steve is at Apple even now, it will be a tremendous loss indeed. (What will the Apple main page say then?) I say this as someone who is certainly no worshipper of the man — Jobs has made many a product feature decision that has not sat well with me. But I realize that Apple would not have come nearly this far without him.