Arnold Sigismund Godette passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at home in Atlanta, GA, surrounded by his family two days after his 92nd birthday. Born on May 22, 1929, Arnold was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle. He was the eldest of 9 children born to Wilfred and Dorothy Godette. Born in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, Arnold was raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
After the premature death of his father, as the eldest child, Arnold embraced caring for the family. He studied to become a certified Accountant and then earned a BSc in Economics from the University of London. Arnold later worked in Guyana’s bauxite mining industry serving in several roles, including as an international purchasing agent. He traveled extensively through his work; this led to a lifelong love of travel and friendships across the globe. He actively volunteered for a wide range of charitable and community-based organizations. Further, he was a reserve officer in the Guyana Defense Force, ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Arnold’s work in the mining sector transferred him to West Palm Beach, Florida, where the family settled. After retirement, he served in Liberia, West Africa as an Executive Volunteer for the United Nations. Upon his return to the USA, he also served for several years as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Guyana based in south Florida. He moved to Atlanta to be close to family. He was known for the advice and counseling he gave to many friends, family and colleagues. His other passions were art, music, the performing arts and dancing.
Arnold was survived by his spouse of almost 64 years, Ena, their two daughters, Karen Godette Jones and Michelle Godette; his two sons, Otto Martin and Wayne Godette; his siblings Dorothy Thierens of Beltsville, MD; Michaela Godette of Washington, DC; Henry “Fitz” Godette of Georgetown Guyana; Compton Godette of Silver Spring, MD; and his 2 grandchildren – Joshua and Eliana.
The family will receive friends from 8:30 to 10 am on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at HM Patterson Oglethorpe Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life Service to be held at HM Patterson’s Oglethorpe Chapel from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Please note that masks are mandatory. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages your support for the Red Cross Convalescent Home in Georgetown, Guyana, and/or for the Parkinson's Foundation (https:// www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give), as a tribute gift in the memory of Arnold Sigismund Godette.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersonOglethorpe.com for the Godette family.