Corky Trinidad, the iconic Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial cartoonist whose distinctive work was published nationally and around the world, died early this morning from complications related to pancreatic cancer.

Francisco Flores Trinidad Jr., 69, was believed to have been the first Asian-American newspaper editorial cartoonist. He won numerous national awards for his often biting but generally on-the-mark artistic commentary on the day's news from light-hearted local events to controversial world subjects.

Star-Bulletin editor Frank Bridgewater said the name "Corky" was synonymous with the newspaper since he began there in 1969.

"In many ways, he was the face of the Star-Bulletin." Bridgewater said. "He's the one people thought of when they thought of the Star-Bulletin."

Trinidad was known for his generosity, humility and quick smile, and famous for giving away free the cartoons that appeared in the newspaper to those he drew, be they presidents or regular local folks who suddenly found themselves in the news.

He also taught and mentored young artists and journalists in Hawaii.

Trinidad worked until falling ill suddenly the week before Thanksgiving, his family said.

He is survived by his wife, Hana, five children, two grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.

A compilation of his work can be viewed at www.corkycartoon.com