Photos: A tribute to Griffith Park’s king

Sol Shankman, in 2008 on a bench dedicated to him, is believed to have walked the equivalent of the Earth's circumference within Griffith Park. He began his daily walks in the early 1980s.

Sol Shankman, in 2008 on a bench dedicated to him, is believed to have walked the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference within Griffith Park. He began his daily walks in the early 1980s.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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Sol Shankman always said that what he did was easy: Set his alarm for 5 a.m., wake up five minutes before it goes off, walk out the front door and into the hills of Los Angeles, hope for nice weather and make a few friends along the way.

Sol Shankman

In August 2008, Sol Shankman, then 93, is greeted by friends and family as he arrives for a ceremony at Griffith Park to dedicate a bench on his behalf. Behind Shankman is L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who sponsored the dedication.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Shankman family

Mike Shankman, center, looks at his son Nash, age 3, during the public memorial service for Mike’s grandfather, whom Shankman often joined on his daily walks through Griffith Park. At left is Sol Shankman’s daughter, Janet Williamson.  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Paul Shankman

Paul Shankman stands under a tree in Griffith Park during the public memorial service for his father, Sol Shankman, one of the founding and eccentric characters of Griffith Park.  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Sol Shankman

A photograph of Sol Shankman hangs on a tree. On the back was written “You walked the walk, you talked the talk, we will miss you, Saul. Love Meredith, Will, Nicki and Chaz.”  (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Sol Shankman

Mario Ballesteros places a medal around the neck of Sol Shankman, then 93, as L.A. Councilman Tom LaBonge applauds before a dedication ceremony at Griffith Park in August 2008.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

King of the Park

Sol Shankman and friend Anneliese Clay walk along the Riverside trail in Griffith Park on Sept. 3, 2008. Shankman passed away last month at age 98.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)