Robert has been deeply immersed in the economic, academic and cultural life of Edmonton, Alberta and Western Canada. Throughout his career, he has had a major role in building the business community in Alberta and in northern Canada. He has served the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Alberta Economic Development Authority, the University of Alberta Board of Governors, the Edmonton Art Gallery (now the AGA), the Art & Design in Public Places Board and the Canadian Diabetes Association.