State funeral for Australian outback legend R.M. Williams

Australia will say farewell to one of its greatest outback legends with a state funeral in Queensland next week.

R.M. Williams, a former explorer and camel handler who popularised the image of the rugged Australian stockman by creating a range of hard-wearing boots, trousers and shirts, died on Tuesday aged 95.

Christened Reginald Murray but known universally as 'RM', he left home in his teens and worked as a gold prospector, camel boy and stockman before a chance encounter with an itinerant saddler gave him the idea of making leather boots tough enough to withstand the rigours of the bush.

From humble beginnings as a casual labourer on cattle properties across the country, he created a multi-million-dollar business empire which now has outlets around the world, including London and New York.

His elastic-sided boots, moleskin trousers and flannel shirts epitomised the pioneer spirit of the outback and made him a household name in Australia.

'RM will be greatly missed,' said Prime Minister John Howard. 'He was a shining example of the spirit of the great Australian adventurer, rising from the adversity of the great depression to write his name into history as a bush craftsman and generous sponsor of outback culture.'

The leader of the opposition Labor Party, Simon Crean, said Williams 'helped define Australia and Australian identity'.