“Steve was such a big part of Micron and this community, and my heart goes out to his family over this tragic loss. I know my dad thought the world of Steve. In fact, my dad didn’t say he was wrong very often, but I know he told Steve that firing him in the mid-1990s was a mistake and he was glad when Steve agreed to return as president and CEO at Micron.”
Scott Simplot, Simplot Company chairman of the board
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“Idaho has lost a true champion, a great friend, and a visionary businessman. Steve was someone who understood the value as well as the cost of excellence. He lived life to the fullest, and while he enjoyed great success in business and in life, he never lost his intensity or his drive. Our hearts go out to his wife Dalynn and the rest of his family – including his extended family at Micron Technology and the many lives he touched throughout the world.”
-- Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter
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The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) is saddened by the tragic news of the death of Steve Appleton, CEO of Micron Technologies and a longstanding member of the Board of SIA. Steve was recognized just this past November with the industry’s highest honor, the Robert N. Noyce Award, in recognition of his immense contributions to the semiconductor industry and our country. SIA extends its deepest sympathies to Steve’s family and the entire Micron community.
“Steve was a visionary and a true leader in our industry. He will be deeply missed by the entire semiconductor community and our prayers and thoughts are with his family."--Brian Toohey, President, Semiconductor Industry Association
-- Semiconductor Industry Association
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The University of Idaho community is deeply saddened by the loss of Micron CEO, Steve Appleton. Appleton was a champion for learning and his efforts to continuously grow, expand and advance Micron Technology, Inc. showed his passion for education.
“Steve Appleton was a real Idaho gem who, through hard work and vision, rose to lead Micron and further Idaho’s technological foundation in the process,” said Duane Nellis, president of the University of Idaho. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family."
As a student athlete and Boise State University graduate, Appleton saw the importance of supporting higher education in Idaho. Under Appleton’s leadership, Micron has been an outspoken force in promoting the idea that an educated community leads to economic prosperity. Micron Foundation’s most recent donation of $1.2 million to the University of Idaho for STEM research and education is a great example of the true leadership that Micron encompasses. In addition, Micron provides students at the University of Idaho with real world experience through internships. Through Micron’s leadership, the University of Idaho is working to eliminate the critical barriers to learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The University of Idaho values the partnerships it has formed with Micron under the guidance of Appleton. The state of Idaho will truly be affect by the tragic loss of a leader who worked to enhance our state’s ability to be global competitive.
-- University of Idaho
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“The entire Chamber family is shocked and saddened by the passing of Steve Appleton. Steve’s long support of the Boise Metro Chamber and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership are just two of many community organizations and causes that Steve Appleton played a major role in. Steve was a community leader, business leader, thought leader and was a large part of what has made Boise a seat of innovation and creativity. He was an example to all of us what great corporate citizens can do to transform their companies, and their communities. The entire business community has lost a great leader, visionary and friend. Our sympathies go out to the Appleton family,” said Bill Connors, President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. -- Boise Metro Chamber
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Today, members of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation expressed their grief at the unexpected death of Micron C.E.O. Steve Appleton this morning, offering their deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of one of Idaho’s most influential businessmen. Senator Mike Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson and Congressman Raùl Labrador issued the following joint statement on Mr. Appleton’s untimely passing: “Like the rest of Idaho, we are stunned and deeply saddened by the news of Steve Appleton’s sudden death, and we join his family and the Micron employees in mourning this huge loss,” the Members said. “Steve Appleton was to Idaho what Steve Jobs was to America. His innovation, positive attitude and forward thinking approach will be greatly missed.”
--- IDAHO DELEGATION MOURNS LOSS OF MICRON’S STEVE APPLETON
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Steve Appleton was a dynamic leader who skillfully guided Micron through both prosperous and difficult times. He was a philanthropist and a great friend to Boise. He will be remembered as a major force in Idaho history -- a man who transformed our state's economy by redefining what is possible for Idaho business. Idaho's future will be brighter because of Steve Appleton. My heart goes out to his family and the employees of Micron around the world.
--- Mayor David Bieter
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“Boise State lost one of its own today. A former Bronco tennis player who never forgot his alma mater, Steve graduated in business and went on to lead one of the nation’s premier companies and enrich in so many ways the community he called home. He played a critical role in transforming Boise State into a research university serving the tech economy of Idaho. I valued his friendship, his generous support, and especially the advice and counsel he provided me personally as we navigated our way through the recent recession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dalynn, his children and his family as well as his colleagues at Micron.”
-- President Bob Kustra, Boise State University
