Robert was born in Denver, Colorado in 1926. After finishing high school, in 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country four years at the end of World War II in the Pacific. After his honorable service, he studied at Denver University before taking work with General Electric in both the states of Washington and later California. Eventually he would work for the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space company from 1957 until his retirement in 1983.

During this time with Lockheed, Robert was extensively involved with the aerospace effort. He worked with the space program in Florida before the first launch of the manned capsule. Robert possessed a sharp mathematical and intellectual mind, well-suited for engineering work. He would patent the gap switch, a mechanism used industry-wide in the self-destruction of rockets.

Robert maintained his focus towards mathematics, science, and the skies throughout his life until his passing in 2010, and always inspired analysis and continued educational growth in those he interacted with.