ST. JAMES — Richard Allen “Rick” Godbout, 70, of St. James, passed away on Nov. 27, 2016.
Rick was born March 20, 1946, in Connecticut, the son of the late U. Allen and Marion Godbout.
Rick grew up in Cromwell, Conn., and graduated from Cromwell High School in 1964, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served with honor and courage as a medic in Vietnam 1967 to 1968. He graduated from Quinnipiac University and spent most of his career at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., including supervising the the hourly payroll department.
Rick and Donna spent 25 years raising their family in Glastonbury, Conn., before moving to Southport, N.C., in 2002. While in Connecticut, Rick was a longtime member of the PGA TPC in Cromwell and active father who supported his children in every endeavor. Once he moved down to Southport, Rick became a true “North Carolinian” and completely assimilated to southern living.
He was a proud member of the Richard H. Stewart American Legion Post 543, an avid golfer, a lifetime fan of UConn Huskies basketball, a past member of the St. James EMS, loved the beach, and enjoyed his many friends on Oak Island.
He is survived by his devoted family, of whom he cherished as the core of his life: his wife, Donna Perron Godbout; a son, Sean Godbout of Boston, Mass.; a daughter, Renée Gonzales, and husband, Timothy, of Raleigh, N.C.; a six-month old granddaughter, Sydney Gonzales, who brought him so much joy; and a sister, Judith Godbout Harper of Southport, N.C.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Southport. The family will have visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the church. Military honors will follow the service and a reception will be held in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two of Rick’s great sources of pride: American Legion Post 543, and sent c/o Gary Crowden, 2878 Irwin Drive S.E., St. James, N.C. 28461; or St. James EMS & Fire Department located at 3628 St. James Drive, St. James, N.C. 28461.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.