Wesley Blake Short Godbout

With heavy hearts, we share that Wesley Blake Short Godbout — Wes to many who loved him — lost his battle with addiction on April 25, 2025. Wes fought hard battles throughout his life. They were part of his story — but never the whole story.

Because the real story is this: Wes was kindness, humor, creativity, loyalty, weirdness, and wild, stubborn love, bundled into one unforgettable human being.

Wes was a beloved son, brother, friend, artist, animal rescuer, union carpenter, and the undisputed king of the dry one-liner. Whether commanding a stage, building movie sets as a proud member of IATSE Local 52, or dropping off yet another injured bird at the Wild Bird Fund, he lived his life with heart, humor, and intensity.

He was quick-witted, athletic, and uncommonly thoughtful — the kind of guy who gave gifts so unique and creative they felt like treasure. He had a sixth sense for finding the best Chinese food, pho, and sushi in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York — all cities he called home. Wes loved The Golden Girls without irony, appreciated a good pedicure, and never hesitated to help a stranger or an animal in need. He truly saw people others often overlooked.

He is loved deeply by his family. He is survived by his father, Paul Godbout, and mother, Merion Morales; and by his siblings: Tiffany Godbout (Armah Karmo), Jeffrey Godbout (Patty Jovel), Kimberly Morales (Max Mitchell), Connor Godbout (Joan Godbout), and McKenzie Godbout (Billy Gonzalez). He was a proud uncle to Selena, Giulietta, Annie Rose, Theodore, Ernest, Frances and Eleanor with two more babies on the way. Wes is also survived by a large extended family who will miss him dearly.

He is reunited with his beloved dogs, Philly and Lady Grimace, who preceded him in death, and leaves behind his loyal companions Dottie and Cashew.

Wesley’s life was messy, brilliant, complicated, and completely his own. He will be remembered for his fierce love, his unstoppable wit, his compassion, and his refusal to live life any other way but full-on.

A casual celebration of Wes’s life will be held on Friday, May 16th from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at WHINO, 4238 Wilson Blvd, 2nd Floor, Arlington, VA 22203. Come as you are, bring a story, raise a glass, and help us honor him in the spirit he lived — with humor, warmth, and love.

If you would like to share a few words, a story, or a memory during the celebration, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected] by May 12th so we can plan accordingly.

To help us remember him, you’re also welcome to send memories, photos, or voice notes to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Pawsitive Recovery through SPCA International or Vibrant Emotional Health — two organizations working at the intersection of healing, recovery, and compassion.

Thank you for being a friend, Wes. You were truly one of a kind.