Richard Bruce Bilder

Richard Bruce Bilder

MADISON - Richard Bruce Bilder, beloved father and husband; renowned international law scholar and U.S. Navy veteran died peacefully on January 18, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 97 years old.

Richard's career was dedicated to the challenges of international law and the betterment of international relations. He worked in the Office of Legal Advisor at the U.S. State Department, before coming to Madison, where was a Professor of Law at the University of Wisconsin for more than 50 years. Richard published scores of articles on topics including the role of apology; human rights; science and stewardship in the Antarctic; legal regimes for mining Helium-3 on the moon; dispute resolution; and the law of the sea. His last, outlining roles for the international community should contact with extraterrestrial life occur, was published at the age of 93. Richard's book, Managing the Risks of International Agreement, remains a crucial reminder of the necessity for thoughtful and strategic international cooperation in an ever-changing world. In addition to teaching, Richard was deeply engaged in the American Society of International Law, where his roles included Vice President and almost 30 years as an Editor of the Society's Journal.

Richard was born in 1927, in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Walter Jennings Bilder and Anne Singer Bilder. Richard was educated at Williams College and Harvard Law School, and was a Fulbright Scholar at England's Cambridge University. He joined the U.S. Navy towards the end of World War II (1945-46) and rejoined to serve on a destroyer minesweeper during the Korean War (1951-53). He continued in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring from service as Commander (Judge Advocate General Corps).

Richard's favorite pastime was swimming, an activity nourished by his fond memories of summer camp in Maine and dutifully performed year-round until his final months. For many summers, Richard inspired his children to face the early morning bracing waters of Kangaroo Lake in Northern Wisconsin.

Above all else, Richard loved his wife of 60 years, Sally Robbins Bilder; and his four children: Mary Sarah, Anne, David, and Debbie. His strong work ethic, integrity, sense of fairness, compassion, dedication, and sense of humor were forever aimed in support and encouragement of his beloved family. He treasured time with his 10 grandchildren, and being surrounded by the noise and laughter of family was one of his greatest joys. As was his wish, his passing was marked by being surrounded by his four children.

Donations in Richard's memory can be made to the Wisconsin Foundation for either the Richard B. Bilder Scholarship Fund, which supports public international law students at UW, or Sally Bilder's English Cottage Garden Fund, which supports Allen Centennial Garden. https://secure.supportuw.org/give/

Please share your memories of Richard by posting in his Guestbook at: www.CressFuneralService.com.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434