William and Budd Schoder were perhaps the most well-known married couple among
bridge players worldwide.
Both tournament directors, inseparable since they married in the early 1990s, they directed numerous events together around the globe.
Bill Schoder, nicknamed "Kojak" for his resemblance to the TV detective, was born in 1932 in New York and was much more than a bridge director and teacher.
With a degree in biochemistry, he joined the Air Force in 1953 and was a fighter pilot who flew around the world, enjoying playing bridge wherever he could.
He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1973 and began working full-time as a director at the ACBL in 1975.
In 1977, he became national director and in 1988, he was appointed international director by the WBF. From 1992, he served for over 20 years on numerous federal committees. Bill also served as director emeritus for the Caribbean region.
His excellent knowledge of Spanish, German, and French also facilitated his duties in Asia, where in 1990, he was called to train 72 top Chinese directors. It was also thanks to him that the famous Marlboro China Cup was born.
Bill retired in 2003 and lived in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, where he also developed a passion for golf.
"Kojak," who had fathered two children, passed away in Tampa on August 28, 2025.