It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and partner, Bud Roeder, on January 6th from complications of scleroderma induced pulmonary fibrosis. Bud was above all else, a consummate gentleman, considerate of all. His professional and pragmatic approach allowed him to be an effective advocate for his clients while retaining the respect of his opponents. Bud dedicated his life to his family, to the practice of law and to his community.
Born February 14, 1942 to William and Elizabeth Roeder, he spent the first three years of his life in Chattanooga, Tennessee where his father worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Raised in Falls Church, Bud graduated from George Mason High School where he was a track and field star. He was part of a 440 relay team that won the state championship title; their winning time served as a long standing record. Bud continued his track and field career at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, graduating in 1964. The next three years were spent in Charlottesville, Virginia where Bud studied law at the University of Virginia and honed an eternal appreciation for all sports Cavalier.
Upon graduation, Bud returned home to Fairfax County, beginning his long law career while serving in the Coast Guard Reserves. Cape May was a favorite posting. In private practice with a concentration on real estate and corporate finance law, Bud made a strong impact on the growth of Fairfax County. Known for his integrity, the depth of his knowledge and his mentorship of younger attorneys, Bud’s influence on the northern Virginia law community is immeasurable. He was among the founders of both the Potomac Bank and the Bank of Loudoun. Bud was proud to have served as the City Attorney for the City of Fairfax through the administrations of five Mayors.
Service to his community was an integral part of Bud’s life. He lived his faith every day in his generous actions, his kind words and his thoughtful deeds. Active in The Church of the Holy Comforter, Bud twice served as the warden of the Vestry. He cherished the Men’s Retreats to Shrine Mont and remained active in the church book club until the end of his life, not only recommending favorite books to friends far and wide but buying multiple copies and distributing them to those who had expressed interest. Bud’s involvement in prison ministry was a source of inspiration and quiet pride for him.
Active in many parts of his community, Bud served as the president of the Fairfax County Jaycees, the president of the Madison High School booster club, on the board of The Potomac School, on the Virginia State Bar Council and as a Big Brother. He was a longtime member of Westwood Country Club.
Bud was a delightful friend, charming all who met him, quickly putting strangers at ease and touching many lives with his genuine interest. As the saying goes, he never met a stranger and those who knew him are all the better for it. He could never say no to anyone who needed help. A devoted father, Bud was an inspired coach, an involved sideline cheerleader, and a patient and wise guide to life. He is known by his sons for his goofy and quirky sense of humor, sometimes deemed (wonderfully) inappropriate by his wife. Laughter was a staple of his marriage with Lisa; the joy and appreciation they had for each other is an inspiration.
We were privileged to call Bud our partner, and blessed to call him our friend. Although the community has lost one of its most cherished members, the lessons and skills that he taught us and lived by will carry on as a tribute to his remarkable life.
Areas of Practice
- Corporate
- Real Estate
- Banking
- Municipal Law
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 1967
- District of Columbia, 1991
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia, 1968
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 1972
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1972
Education
- University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Virginia
- J.D. – 1967
- University of the South
- B.A. – 1964
Honors and Awards
- Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
- Virginia Business “Legal Elite”, 2001
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Fairfax Bar Association, President, 1978 – 1979
- Fairfax Bar Association, Member, Board of Directors, 1977 – 1980
- Virginia Bar Association, Member
- American Bar Association, Sections on Urban, State and Local Government Law, Member
- American Bar Association, Sections on Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, Member
- American Bar Association, Section on Business Law, Member
- Virginia State Bar, Member, State Bar Council, 1975 – 1985
- Virginia State Bar, Member, Tenth District Committee, 1977 – 1979
- Virginia State Bar, Business Law Section, Member
- Virginia State Bar, Chairman, Board of Governors, 1994 – 1995
- Virginia State Bar, Member, Ethics Committee, 1983 – 1986
- Virginia State Bar, Real Property Section, Member
- The District of Columbia Bar
- Local Government Attorneys of Virginia
Past Employment Positions
- City of Fairfax, Virginia, City Attorney, 1978 – 2005
Fraternities/Sororities
- Phi Alpha Delta
- Omicron Delta Kappa
