Tice, 54, a retired defense analyst, died of liver cancer. Not wanting to burden his family with news of his illness, he kept his suffering to himself, says his sister, Stephanie Tice-Heuer. When John's illness took a turn for the worst last month, he finally revealed his condition to his immediate family. Unfortunately, he died within 48 hours of his announcement.

Tice-Heuer says her brother loved the town of Los Gatos for "its charm and uniqueness," and volunteered in many community activities. A big fan of jazz and art, she says Tice was a tireless supporter of his favorite event, Music in the Park.

"He was a major force in the fundraising for the Music in the Park," she says.

In the Los Gatos Weekly-Times' "Best of Los Gatos" edition in 1999, Tice was declared Best Person to Stir Things Up and Best Person to Get Things Done, and tied for Best Community Organizer. Quotes from the awards said, "He's tenacious, and he means business. For the last five years, Tice pounded the pavement looking for businesses to sponsor the Music in the Plaza summer concert series. He's lined up more than $50,000 in donations over those years." In 2000, Tice tied for Best Volunteer, and he has received countless other commendations from the town over the years.

In the weeks following Tice's death, his family received condolences from both Mayor Mike Wasserman and Vice Mayor Diane McNutt.

"This eased some of the pain of this tremendous loss we have experienced," said Tice-Heuer.

Tice-Heuer plans to purchase a lithograph of a previous Music in the Plaza poster, painted by local artist and jazz musician Bruni Subhan, whom Tice helped earn a feature spot in the concert series. The painting depicts Louie Armstrong playing trumpet. After purchasing the poster, she plans to donate it to the town in her brother's honor.

"My brother was a big fan of jazz, art and life," says Tice-Heuer.

John Tice is survived by his mother Julie Tice; his brother Christian Tice; his sister Stephanie Tice-Heuer; his daughter Tammy Middleton; and his grandchildren Meagon, Justin, Jerryd, McKensey and Morgan Middleton. He also leaves behind his living companion of 12 years, Kathy Carmel, also a Los Gatos resident and community worker.

A celebration of his life will be held on Jan. 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Viva Restaurant at 15970 Los Gatos Blvd.

To attend the memorial at Viva Restaurant, call Stephanie Tice-Heuer at 408.506.5603 or email her at safa40@hotmail.com. Donations can be made in Tice's name to Town of Los Gatos, Music in the Park, P.O. Box 494, Los Gatos, CA 95031.