Tributes flow for 'flying doctor artist' who captured spirit of outback

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has paid tribute to "valued friend" and beloved Broken Hill artist Howard William Steer, who has died aged 79.

Steer was known as the "flying doctor artist" for his avid support of the RFDS over the years.

He paid homage to the medical service by including black-suited, winged doctors in many of his paintings.

His work featured in private collections and galleries across Australia and the world.

But beyond his artistic legacy, he was a passionate philanthropist and champion of the Silver City in Far West New South Wales.

His family hope he will be remembered for his generosity.

The flying doctor artist

Steer, who died on October 20, was born in Broken Hill in 1947 and spent his entire life in the city, finding inspiration in its landscape, community and character.

He turned to art full-time after he lost the tops of his fingers on his left hand while working at the Broken Hill Civic Centre.

The response and care he received from the RFDS began a lifelong campaign to raise money for the organisation.

Clyde Thomson, who worked with the RFDS South-Eastern Section for over 40 years, said Steer was a low-profile person.

"[He] didn't seek a lot of recognition, but his work did an enormous amount of benefit to the flying doctor service," Mr Thomson said.

"He wouldn't try and promote himself … but he promoted the causes that he supported."

Steer donated many of his works to RFDS charity events, including to the Women's Auxiliary Fundraisers and the Silver City Bush Treadlers.

Among the most hot-ticket items were the aircraft propellers he painted.

"They used to bid up many thousands of dollars to have that propeller painted by Howard Steer," Mr Thomson said.

The RFDS continues to sell his artwork on magnets, postcards and even a few original prints and paintings at the Outback Heritage Experience in Broken Hill.

"Through his distinctive artwork, he told the story of the flying doctor in a way that was uniquely his own," the RFDS South-Eastern Section said in a statement.

"[He helped to] support fundraising efforts, celebrate the people behind our service and connect communities to our mission.

"Many of his artworks continue to be treasured across our organisation."

Carrying on Broken Hill's artistic legacy

Steer counted among his good friends and mentors Pro Hart and Hugh Schultz, both well-known Broken Hill artists who were a part of the famous art group Brushmen of the Bush.

They were a group of five self-taught artists and sculptors from the Silver City who combined their artworks for exhibitions in the 1970s.

Their art, much like Steer's, captured the spirit of outback Australia.

Broken Hill councillor Michael Boland described Steer as "the next generation of Brushmen of the Bush".

"Brushmen of the Bush put Broken Hill on the map, [but] people like Howard Steer cemented our reputation as an art centre,"

Mr Boland said.

Steer's work was known for its whimsy and humour, which had a distinctive narrative style. His paintings told stories of the outback which were often described as cheeky, mischievous and sometimes rude.

But he used it to his advantage, taking topics men in the outback would rather avoid and turning it into comedy.

"He'd do a funny poster of, you know, all the men lined up against a wall and the doctor's coming around to check the prostate to make sure they're healthy," Mr Boland said.

"You'd swing a bit of comedy in there, and the blokes will go and get the checks done.

"I would say you couldn't put a number on how many lives Howard's saved simply through that kind of advocacy."

It was his "story art" which gained him international acclaim.

One of his paintings has hung in Parliament House in Canberra after he gifted it to former federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley when she was health minister.

"It hung in my ministerial office and then in every parliamentary office I occupied," Ms Ley said in a statement.

"Over the years it became much more than a painting; it was a daily reminder of the people of the Far West, the spirit of Broken Hill, and the extraordinary role of the Flying Doctor in remote Australia."

Saying farewell to a generous spirit

The RFDS was not the only recipient of Steer's kindness.

He gave away 15 to 20 paintings a year to charitable causes, including national charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Kidney Health Australia and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

But it was the local clubs and committees which held a special place in his heart.

In an interview with ABC Broken Hill in 2014, Steer said he knew what it was like to need help, which is why he liked to give back to the community.

"You've got to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand,"

Steer said.

His wife, Lynnette Steer, said her husband loved the people of Broken Hill and would want the community to remember him for his generosity.

"He just loved giving to people; it made him happy," she said.

"I'd like to thank all the people that have bought his artwork and supported him over the years."

A private family funeral service was held for Steer in Adelaide.

Ms Steer said while no memorial was planned, she intended to return to their art gallery in Broken Hill with her husband's ashes.

"If anybody wants to come and say goodbye to him in the gallery, they're welcome," she said.

Steer is survived by his wife and their two sons, Andy and Jay, their four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.