Michel and his business and life partner, David Laing, closed the cafe in July of 2001, saying it was for financial reasons, though in reality it was because Michel was already battling cancer.

"It was a lot all at once," Michel said in an interview shortly after the closing. "Everything in my life turned upside down."

Michel, whose father died of cancer in 1971, was optimistic about his health. "I'm going to kick its ass," said Michel in the same interview.

Michel initially received radiation and chemotherapy treatments at Santa Clara Valley and Stanford University medical centers, but 10 months ago Michel and Laing moved to Tucson, Ariz. for additional medical treatment.

"I think Jeff will be remembered most for the size of his heart," says his brother, Lane Michel. "Jeff always did all that he could for his employees, his friends and his family. We'll all miss him."

That was proven to be the case when, less than 24 hours after Michel's death, an impromptu memorial of flowers, pictures and candles appeared before the former site of the White Dove Cafe.

Michel had a gift for making his patrons feel welcome when they went to his restaurant. He made it a policy to try to remember the names of the patrons who frequented his restaurant, his brother said.

"I have a knack for names, and I set out seven years ago to try to remember people's names," Michel once said. "People would get excited when they walked in the door and I would say, 'Ruth, how are you?' "

"The Willow Glen community was always special to Jeff, and I guess he was special to them, too. It was amazing to go by and see what people had done for my brother. He would have been pleased," Lane said about the impromptu memorial.

Michel held many benefits for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society when he owned the White Dove, and his family asked that donations be sent to these organizations in his memory.

As the spokesperson for Laing, Michel's brother said, "We were very grateful for the support from our patrons and the community of Willow Glen. Thank you."

And Laing adds, "I want people to celebrate Jeff's life."

Michel's remains will be brought back to California by Laing, and a memorial service will be held at the Oak Hill Mortuary on Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Jeff Michel is survived by his mother, Belle Michel-Brown, his stepfather, Charles Brown, and brothers Michael, Lane and Russell Michel.

Donations in Michel's name can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Office of Donor Services, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, N.Y. 10605.