was born in Minot, North Dakota.  He graduated from Minot High School, in Minot North Dakota with the Class of 1962.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brigham Young University in Political Science in 1967.  He later received a Master of Science in Public Administration from Brigham Young University in 1969.  He graduated from Willamette University College of Law in 1972 and received his Juris Doctorate.  Robert is a member of the state bars of Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.  He is also admitted to practice in both State and Federal courts in all three states.  He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America, the United States Tax Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.