Floyd Kaleak, an Inupiat man known for his wide smile as he panhandled the streets of Anchorage, Alaska, died sometime this week. He was 45.

Kaleak came from a large Inupiat family in Barrow. He was developmentally disabled and spent much of his childhood in special homes and treatment centers. He later moved to Anchorage.

Drivers, residents and even police took a liking to a man they described as generous and friendly. According to The Anchorage Daily News, he first carried a sign that read "SAY HI TO FLOYD" but changed it to "PAY FLOYD" when he realized people would give him money. He later changed it to "UP TO YOU. PAY FLOYD" when he found out panhandling was illegal.

Kaleak lived on his own and rented a home in Anchorage. He was found there on Wednesday morning. He apparently died of natural causes.

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Say goodbye to Floyd; prominent panhandler dies at age 45 (The Anchorage Daily News 4/8)