Best known for playing the `larger than life' Coopers Crossing shop owner Violet Carnegie, Evison died in New Zealand on Sunday after a long battle with illness, three days before her 86th birthday.

The Australian drama series had its final curtain call almost 20 years ago but Violet's presence has remained, with her shop sign still seen on a disused store in Minyip's main street today.

Long-time Minyip resident and IGA X-press owner A.J. Niewand was an extra on many episodes of The Flying Doctors and met Evison on several occasions during filming from 1986 to 1991.

He said he was saddened to hear of her death and remembered her as an approachable and down-to-earth woman.

"A lot of people have been very upset," he said.

"She was a very lovely lady."

Mr Niewand said his parents John and Ellen Niewand also starred alongside Evison, appearing as the mayor and mayoress of Coopers Crossing on an episode of The Flying Doctors.

Many scenes from the long- running series were shot in Minyip's Club Hotel, which featured as the Majestic Hotel.

Business owner Lorraine Masiero said a lot of patrons had been reflecting on The Flying Doctors days since Evison's death.

"It is affecting the locals who were here when the show was being filmed," she said.

"They often talk about the people who came here, especially the ones who stayed and had a drink with them, and I can just imagine Pat and Maurie Fields having a drink together up there now."

The hotel is home to a museum containing memorabilia from The Flying Doctors including photographs, biographies and props from the show.

Surprised

Ms Masiero, who has also been managing The Flying Doctors fan club since taking over the hotel nine months ago, said she was surprised by the continuing interest in the series.

"The show is still playing in Germany and the Netherlands so the European fans will be devastated," she said.

"We still have at least four visitors a month come through to see where The Flying Doctors was filmed."

Minyip Senior Citizens Club doubled for the Coopers Crossing Royal Flying Doctor base in the series.

Club president Mavis Fitt said club members spoke about Evison's death at their weekly meeting yesterday.

"Everyone remembered her as a nice lady. One day when they were filming, the Red Cross had a stall and she bought knitted items to send to her family in Canada," she said.

Mrs Fitt said Minyip residents were planning a festival to celebrate the town's ties to The Flying Doctors.

She said they hoped to invite surviving members of the cast to the event next year.