Jef Raskin, the human-computer interface expert who began the Macintosh project for Apple, passed away Saturday, at age 61. Raskin, author of such books as “The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems,” reportedly died of cancer. Raskin joined Apple in 1978 as employee No. 31, but left the company in 1982 amid a dispute with Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The Macintosh was launched two years later in 1984. Raskin took the time to talk with MacMinute last year. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. Update: The folks at Joy of Tech have published a comic paying tribute to Mr. Raskin.