It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Craig (Smiley) Gudlaugson. He passed peacefully at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital with family at his side on Saturday, October 17th, 2026.

Craig was born in 1947, the second son to Oscar and Fern Gudlaugson of Beaverlodge. He was lucky enough to grow up on two family farms: his early years on the Gudlaugson farm near Clairmont, then on Oscar and Fern’s picturesque farm near Albright.

Craig was a child born with an innate sense of happiness about the world and those around him. As a toddler, he could take a tumble, have a little cry, and then be on his feet again, smiling or laughing through his tears, ready to carry on. This was a characteristic he retained throughout his life, earning from his friends and fellow workers the nickname “Smiley”. In his hard hat years, “Smiley" was written on it.

His academic years began at Gimle, in a one-room rural school. Getting there meant doubling on the riding horse behind his older brother and hanging on for dear life as the horse galloped home afterward. Later, it was the school bus to Beaverlodge. But his preferred mode of transportation was four wheels of his choosing, something classic and hopefully running.

In his youth, Craig made the most of being in the 1960s/1970s rock ’n’ roll generation. First in Vancouver while he was working for the PGE rail yard in Squamish, then later in Winnipeg, the centre of rock in that era. He could often be found in the middle of the music scene, jamming with some of the biggest upcoming artists of that age. This was around the time he would meet his first wife, Marie.

He later moved to Grande Prairie, where he met his second wife, Wendy, and became a proud father to three amazing kids. He called Grande Prairie home for many years, working at Visa Truck Rentals, the Legion, and eventually retiring from Sears as a furniture salesman. This is where he saw his family grow to include five grandkids and one great-grandchild.

Craig had a passion for old cars, World War history, and stamp collecting. He preserved history in his own way with his talent as a pen and ink artist, often immortalizing people’s homesteads, farm equipment, and cherished vehicles. This was a passion he had since childhood.

Later, the Legion became the centre of his social life and was where he would meet his lifelong friend and companion, Enda. They built their own slice of heaven on an acreage outside of Grovedale, lovingly called Dead Moose Gulch. This was his last true home and will always hold some of his and our best memories.

Craig made lasting friendships wherever he went, many that would span decades. He will be remembered for his love of books, music, anything collectable, including hubcaps, a cold beer, his cats, and loyalty to his friends and family. He will always be remembered as Smiley.

He was predeceased by his father, Oscar Gudlaugson, and his mother, Fern Gudlaugson (née Keillor).

Craig will be greatly missed by his daughter, Jessica (Mike) Winnemuller; his son, Allan (Stephanie) Gudlaugson; his daughter, Megan (Kenton) Rycroft; his grandkids, Alexus (Jarred), Matthew, Charis, Daniel, and Oliver; his great-grandchild, Noah; his brother, Derril (Patricia) Gudlaugson; his nephews, Ted (Elaan) and Jon (Sunshine); and his great-nieces, Kate and Amy.

A celebration of Craig’s life will be held in the summer of 2027. Closer to the date, an announcement will be posted on various social media platforms, including Facebook.

Memorial donations can be made to The United Church of Canada (https://united-church.ca/donate) or Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association (bandagedpaws.org/donate).