Ian "Scrubby" Stokes died at the Ainslie Village on Monday although little is known about the circumstances of his death.

Canberrans who knew little about his life other than their near daily interactions have continued to leave flowers at the Antill Street and Northbourne Avenue intersection, with one leaving a poem in his memory.

"Known by many, known by none. His name was Ian Stokes and his work here is done," wrote one regular customer.

Holly Matthews, who developed a friendship with Mr Stokes while working at a health food shop in Dickson, said many were saddened by his loss because he was such a familiar face.

"He was an intelligent man with a broken heart," she said. "He had issues with addiction but he carried his burdens with an air of grace and dignity."

"He bared his soul out on that street corner every day. He knew who he was. He lived his life the best he could."

All of us from the class of 1972 like to think that Scrubby knew the warmth and love that was given to him, and the esteem in which he was held by so many people including us, his classmates.

Stokes' former school classmates paid tribute to his memory on Friday afternoon, remembering him as a formidable rugby league player and a kind soul.

"To the class of 1972 at Lyneham High, Scrubby was our mate who had fallen on hard times but who had, with characteristic resourcefulness and good humour, found a way to survive in the tough old world out there," an obituary written by the group said.

Ian was always Scrubby, a nickname referring to his scallywag looks. It stuck because he wasn't concerned about his own appearance. He preferred to live in the moment and engage with the world.

Ms Matthews said Mr Stokes' life highlighted the need for more resources to support those with mental health and addiction issues.

"The need for early intervention for at risk people and that addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, food or even our phones is an escape mechanism for not being able to cope with our feelings or life's challenges and that as a society we need to do more to help those in crisis," she said.

David Jones, who lives in Lyneham, said Mr Stokes was always courteous and would strike up conversation at the intersection even when he didn't need his windscreen washed.

"We didn't know his name until one day he noticed [his partner] Jenny Stokes' work name tag and struck up a conversation about their shared surname," he said.

"He had a phenomenal work ethic, working long hours in all weather conditions.

"In recent years Mr Jones would give him a slab of light beer on Christmas Eve and he would share this with his mates at Ainslie Village."

Ulises Vidal, who also developed a fleeting friendship with Mr Stokes, said he was saddened by his passing and remembered him as a polite and hard-working man.

"I strongly believe Canberra will remember him, he was much loved," Mr Vidal he said. "He will be dearly missed."