Robert Roddis
| Robert "Bob" Warren Roddis | |
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | March 30, 1951 Detroit, Michigan |
| Death: | July 13, 2023 (aged 72) Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan |
| Education: | Michigan State University (undergrad); Detroit College of Law (J.D.); Wayne State University Law School (LL.M) |
| Occupation: | Attorney |
| Residence: | Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan |
| Party: | Libertarian |
| Media | |
| Website: | https://bobroddis.blogspot.com/?zx=8f88f06881072c65 |
| view publications | |
Robert "Bob" Warren Roddis (March 30, 1951 - July 13, 2023) was a prominent figure in the Libertarian Party of Michigan, known for his dedication to libertarian principles, his contributions to the party, and his advocacy for "covenant communities." Roddis, widely known as Bob, was a prominent champion of liberty and a dedicated advocate for the Libertarian movement. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 30, 1951, he passed away on July 13, 2023, at the age of 72, at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, surrounded by his loving family, including his ex-spouse, Becky Kuhn Wilson, and Nephew Douglas S. Jones, after a valiant battle with colon cancer.
Early Life and Education
During his formative years, Roddis resided in Berkley, Michigan, before pursuing higher education. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1969 and continued his academic journey at Michigan State University, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. Robert's passion for law led him to Detroit College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1980. Later, in 1984, he achieved his Master of Laws (LL.M) from Wayne State University Law School.
Career and Political Endeavors
Throughout his career, Roddis specialized in various legal fields, including commercial litigation, tax law, corporate law, probate, domestic law, and bankruptcy law. His expertise and dedication earned him admissions to the bar in multiple states, including Michigan (1980), Florida (1985), Texas (2010), and Utah (2018).
Roddis was deeply committed to promoting libertarian principles and actively engaged in the Libertarian Party. In 1982, he ran as the Libertarian Party candidate for Michigan Attorney General, and later, he sought judicial roles in the Michigan Supreme Court, running for judge in the years 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Advocacy for Covenant Communities and Austrian Economics
An enthusiastic follower of Austrian Economics, Roddis embraced the principles put forth by Nobel Prize-winning economist Friedrich Hayek. His understanding of the Austrian method was honed during his time at Michigan State University in the early 1970s, and he became an ardent anarcho-capitalist, passionately advocating for these economic principles on his blogger.com page and engaging in discussions with individuals of varying viewpoints on economic intervention and war.
One of Roddis's significant beliefs was in the concept of "covenant communities." He championed the idea of voluntary, self-governing communities adhering to a fixed set of principles and excluding individuals who violated those rules. This, he believed, would foster harmonious societies where like-minded people could live together without constant ideological conflicts.
Contributions to the Libertarian Party of Michigan
During his later years, Roddis played a crucial role in the Libertarian Party of Michigan, especially during the rise of the Mises Caucus. Despite facing health challenges due to cancer and other related issues, he actively engaged in legal research to support the party's efforts. Roddis served as a member of the Judicial Committee, where he played an instrumental role in resolving leadership disputes and upholding party bylaws and parliamentary authority.
Personal Life and Legacy
Roddis left behind a significant legacy in the Libertarian community, and his passing on July 13, 2023, marked the end of an era. He is survived by his three daughters, grandchildren, and ex-wife. Roddis' intellectual rigor, unyielding dedication to liberty, and commitment to promoting his beliefs through legal expertise have left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His contributions to the Libertarian Party of Michigan and his advocacy for voluntary, self-governing communities will be remembered by those who shared his passion for liberty and freedom.