WILLIAM BODDE Jr.

WILLIAM BODDE Obituary

Ambassador William Bodde, Jr.
Ambassador William Bodde, Jr. of Chevy Chase passed away peacefully May 26,2020 at Suburban Hospital from non-COVID pneumonia. He had a full life living out the American dream. He volunteered to join the Army during the Korean war and served in Germany. Upon returning to the US, he put himself through college using the GI bill while working full time and raising a family. He went on to join the civil service at the Housing and Home Finance Agency before joining the Foreign Service He found his calling and went on to serve as a Consul General, as a Deputy Assistant Secretary, as Ambassador to Fiji and later as Ambassador to the Marshall Islands and finally to help establish and lead the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat as its first Executive Director. Ambassador Bodde earned a Master of International Public Policy degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He also authored a book entitled "The view from the 19th floor: Reflections of the first APEC Executive Director." Ambassador Bodde was renowned as a mentor, lecturer and instructor. He took every opportunity to share his pride of public service, his views of the positive role of the United States in the world, as well as the lessons learned from living in and interacting with a wide variety of countries and cultures. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with friends and family. He was a serious Jazz and movie fan and a voracious reader with many interests. His wife of almost 50 years, the late Ingrid Oberle of Worms, Germany died in 2003. Their daughter, Barbara died in 2009. He is survived by his two sons, Ambassador Peter Bodde and Christopher Bodde, their spouses Tanya and Monica, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral will be private.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 14, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM BODDE

7 Entries

Brigitte Freidin

June 23, 2020

I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Bill. He and Ingrid were dear friends of ours for over 50 years. We visited Christpher in Nepal and Peter in Germany. Bill was funny, brilliant and honest. I am forever grateful for the many evenings of good food and talk. My sincerest condolences to Peter, Christpher and their families. We've lost a true national and personal treasure.

Rita Lewis

June 23, 2020

Ambassador Bodde was my mentor and friend. He and his wife Ingrid we're good friends with my parents, Dick and Brigitte Freidin. I met him in 1968 at 13 and he shared Little Big Man with me and treated me like an adult. Throughout the years we had long talks about history, anthropology and service. He always made time for me. I am deeply saddened by his loss.

Katie Buchholz

June 18, 2020

Amb Bodde was a gentleman and a patriot. He served our country well. He was also an all around good guy and was like a father to me for many years. I am sorry that we lost touch but will cherish the times spent with him and Mrs Bodde, sharing great conversations, good food, and the love of "our" dogs Hobbes and Jem. Deepest condolences Chris and Peter. (Would love to hear from you. )

Carl Ingram

June 14, 2020

I will remember Ambassador Bodde for his "deep wit." When he was the United States ambassador to the Marshall Islands, some friends and I invited him to pick a book and host our book club. The book he chose was "The Magic Mountain," by Thomas Mann. We dutifully read and the discussed the book, although it is fair to say it was not one of our top 10 reads. About six months later, after we had recovered from "The Magic Mountain," we again invited Ambassador Bode to pick a book and host the discussion. This time he selected "Sometimes a Great Notion," by Ken Kesey. There is a scene in the book where while crossing a bridge, the protagonist throws a book, "The Magic Mountain," into the river. Even without that scene, his second pick was probably the best selection the life of the reading group. I will remember Ambassador Bodde for his ability to mix intellectual rigor with wit and his sensitivity to his audience.

Carl Ingram

June 14, 2020

I will remember Ambassador Bodde for his "deep wit." When he was the United States ambassador to the Marshall Islands, some friends and I invited him to pick a book and host our book club. The book he chose was "The Magic Mountain," by Thomas Mann. We dutifully read and the discussed the book, although it is fair to say it was not one of our top 10 reads. About six months later, after we had recovered from "The Magic Mountain," we again invited Ambassador Bode to pick a book and host the discussion. This time he selected "Sometimes a Great Notion," by Ken Kesey. There is a scene in the book where while crossing a bridge, the protagonist throws a book into the river. The book was "The Magic Mountain." Even without that scene, his second pick was probably the best selection the life of the reading group. I will remember Ambassador Bode for his ability to mix intellectual rigor with wit and humor.

N. Persaud

June 14, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the family of William Bodde Jr. May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you. He will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Psalm 94:17-19

Bobbie Berger

June 14, 2020

I am so sorry to read about my dear friend Bill. I tried to call him but he didnt return call. Pete please call me. Bobbie

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