UNIX is the base on which Linux and Apple's OS X are built on, and the very core than runs most modern mobile operating systems including Android and iOS. The C Programming Language is widely used in applications, operating systems and it's influence is seen in most modern day programming languages.
Ritchie was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1988 for his achievements and has won several awards. The inventor passed away on October 8, at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness.