William and Budd Schoder were the married couple, perhaps the best known among
the bridge players of the world.
Both tournament directors, inseparable since they were married in the early 90s, have directed many events all over the world.
Bill Schoder, called "Kojak" for his resemblance to the television detective, was born in 1932 and was much more than a bridge director and teacher.
He graduated in biochemistry, joined the Air Force in 1953 and was a combat pilot who flew to the skies of half the world, delighting to play bridge wherever it happened. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1973 and from 1975 began working as a full-time director at the ACBL.
In 1977 he became a national director and in 1988 he was nominated international director by the WBF and since 1992 he has been a member of many federal committees for over 20 years. Bill was also director emeritus for the Caribbean area.
His excellent knowledge of Spanish, German and French, has also facilitated his duties in Asia where in 1990 he was called to educate the 72 best Chinese directors. In those years the famous Marlboro China Cup was also born for his merit.
Bill retired in 2003 and lives with his wife in Florida where he is very passionate about golf and where he delights with his numerous descendants (he had 4 children and a large number of nephews and great-grandchildren).