Thomas B. Sellers, a graphic artist and advertising executive for more than three decades here, died Oct. 14 in San Diego. He was 71.

"He survived pancreatic cancer an amazing 18 months, a testament to his zeal and positive attitude," said his son, Dustin Sellers, president of ProService Hawaii.

Better known as Tom Sellers, he was a popular and prolific artist and communications expert at Sellers Advertising, which he ran with his wife, Sherrie, for 30 years before relocating to the mainland where the couple retired.

Island fans of his works will especially remember his iconic pop-art posters for the Sunshine Festival in Diamond Head Crater in the 1970s, which promoted sunrise-to-sunset music celebrations that attracted thousands who greeted the new year with song and fellowship. The posters now are collectible treasures still hanging on the walls of many isle residents.

In his heyday as a small-business owner, Sellers created numerous popular ads and promotional materials for clients, including wearable-artT-shirts for The Honolulu Advertiser.

He also was an interior designer, who attended the Chanard Art School for fine art and the prestigious Art Center in Pasadena, Calif., where he excelled in design and illustration.

In his retirement years, Sellers demonstrated prowess in plein-air painting (painting done outside), notable for an exquisite sense of light and composition, creating stunning scenics from such travel destinations as the south of France; New Orleans; Mexico; Taos, N.M.; and California’s coast and wine country regions.

A memorial service was held Oct. 19 in San Diego and another will be held in Honolulu from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Outrigger Canoe Club. His ashes will be scattered at sea.