April 21, 1942 – March 29, 2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Sam Gudlaugsson on March 29, 2026 at Mckinney Place in Oliver, BC after complications from a fall. Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years Dianne Gudlaugsson and is predeceased by his mother Thelma, father Jon, brothers Mack and Dori and sister Bara.

Sam was born in Iceland in 1942, moved with his family at age 3 to Winnipeg Canada via New York, and settled in Oliver BC in 1952. Sam moved to the coast in 1967 where he would meet Dianne. He became involved in the forestry industry, first in sawmills and then in financial and accounting for Western Forest Products for the next 34 years. Sam and Dianne retired to the family home in Oliver in 2001.

Sam was an avid golfer and traveller with a quick, quiet wit, and his nieces and nephews all have stories of growing up and spending time with Sam and his instillation of a generational fear of ‘gorillas in the basement’.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff and for the care Sam received at Oliver General Hospital and McKinney Place in his last months, and the condolences received from friends throughout the community in Oliver.

There will be no formal service as per Sam’s wishes. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to charities that help underfunded families provide resources to children who have interests in sports or educational paths that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

Rest in Peace Sam, you will be dearly missed.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com