Thomas Wells died at his home in Seattle on March 11, 2004. He was born Oct. 20, 1916, in Menomonee, Mich., where he attended local schools.

He graduated from Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wis. and from PFA School of Fine Arts at Yale University in 1941. He owned a second home on Useless Bay for 58 years.

He was an internationally known marine artist recognized by rig sailors and collectors. His knowledge and love for the sea is portrayed in his paintings by extensive academic art training combined with youthful experiences at sea before the mast, and in fore-and after, square riggers, steam. He painted most of his 600 murals from the deck of his home overlooking Useless Bay in Langley.

In 1946, he married Wanda Zallinger and settled in Seattle. He worked for years as technical illustrator at the Applied Physics lab at the University of Washington. His paintings were exhibited here and abroad.

He is an honorary member of the Seattle Yacht Club, a member of the Sand Point Country Club, and the Sand Point Community Methodist Church. He was an old salt and entertaining raconteur whose tall tales of tall ships were as entrancing as his paintings. His favorite opus was the Large Mosaic in the Apse of St. Demetrois, Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda, of Seattle; son Tom Wells Jr.; Seattle; daughter Jean Hamerslag; and two grandchildren.

At his request, no services will be held. Donations may be made to the Tom Wells Artist Fund c/o Bob Bryant, PSGPWP Scholarship Fund, 209 Raft Island, Gig Harbor, WA 98335-5600 or the Sand Point Church, 4710 NE 70th St., Seattle, WA 98117