Philip L. Godbout
July 11, 1958 ~ January 5, 2024
Philip Louis Godbout, Jr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on January 5, 2024.
Philip was born on July 11, 1958, the beloved only child of the late Philip Godbout, Sr. and Ruth (Hunter) Godbout.
The Godbout's home was rooted in deep joy and Christian forgiveness and overflowed with love. Philip grew up in the small, picturesque New England town of Topsfield, Massachusetts. As the son of the Topsfield Fire Chief, Philip was truly an all-American boy. He loved cheering for the home team, cook-outs, cowboys, a hot slice of pizza, and the finer points of Laurel & Hardy, the Three Stooges, and the Waltons.
Philip attended Masconomet Regional High School, where he graduated “Magna Cum way-too-Loud-e.” He worked at the Bass River workshop in Peabody, MA, later becoming a valued participant at Opportunity Works in Haverhill, MA. He was also an honorary member of the Topsfield Fire Department and led the Topsfield Fair Parade for many years.
In 1983, Philip founded his lifetime community and family, “L’Arche Irenicon,” with Sister
Pat Murphy and his “brother,” Donald Nason. There, Philip shared his gifts of joy, fun, laughter, peace and forgiveness with every person he had the chance to live with and encounter.
Like his mother, Philip was a kind and gentle spirit. As everybody who knew him well agreed, Phil was truly the most forgiving soul you could ever meet. He was quick to say “I’m sorry,” and equally quick to forgive with a deep sigh, a hug, and an “it’s okay.” Even at his most frustrated, his playfully indignant “Hey, what’s the matter with you?!” brought reconciliation through laughter.
Like his father, Phil was a fun-loving rascal. Whether it was “sneaking” over to the freezer to grab a handful of ice to put down the back of a friend's shirt, escalating a water fight with his friend Sister Pat, or breaking out the whipped cream to playfully spray on his housemates’ heads, he was always up to some mischief.
Philip lived his life as a sign of peace. Sitting in his presence was truly a calming and healing experience. There was no judgment, no shame, no pride in that space. Philip had deep joy within him and he was incredibly generous in sharing it with others. His priority was making sure those around him were happy, often giving a confused look when his classic question “Are you happy?” wasn’t answered with an obvious and resounding “Yes, Philip, I’m happy!”
Philip was a man of the moment, never wanting to let the sadness of life get him down. Philip always
reassured others when his closest family and friends passed: “it’s okay, don’t cry. I’ll be okay.” Phil would
encourage us all to have that philosophy with his passing. His infectious joy, cheeky smile and warm, raspy voice will be missed by those who knew him, even as we can hear him telling us, “It’s okay, don’t cry. I’ll be okay.”
We are grateful for the lessons of love and laughter, the shining example of humanity that Philip Louis
Godbout, Jr., shared every day with us, and we celebrate the many ways Philip changed the world and those around him for the better simply by the way he lived his life.
Philip’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:30AM in Saint Rose of Lima Church, 20 Park St., Topsfield. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Friday morning prior to the Funeral Mass in the adjoining Parish Hall beginning at 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Philip may be made to L’Arche Boston North, P.O. Box 1177, Haverhill, MA 01831, online at www.larchebostonnorth.org.
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I had the pleasure of living with Phil for 3 years. When we first met I had just moved to Haverhill from New York & Phil helped me feel at home right away. Laughter was never in short supply; I often fell victim to an ice cube or any other tricks he had up his sleeve. One time in particular he found a Santa costume (this was in March) and put it over my head coming at me from behind. We both laughed until we cried; that was a frequent occurrence with Phil. Now of course I’m shedding different tears, but if he were here I know he would say “it’s ok. Don’t cry”. He was a true definition of what L’arche is: unconditional love, forgiveness and having fun of course.
Phil, I’ll miss you so much. Give everyone in Heaven one your best hugs from all of us here.