Robert Alexander Attrill was born to George Attrill and Janet Attrill (nee Brecken), and grew up on the family farm in the Whittome, Saskatchewan district. Robert obtained his matriculation certificate in June of 1935, and would eventually travel to Toronto where he would hold a variety of jobs. He enrolled and trained in the Radio College of Canada as a wireless operator, and graduated in July. He soon found employment at the Rogers Majestic Radio Factory. Robert later worked for Marconi, who supplied wireless operators for overseas service. In December (ca. 19-?) he went to Britain under the auspices of Marconi and worked for/with the British wireless marine service. Robert was married to Dorothy Alice Attrill (nee Meyers) on December 31, 1941. He died August 25, 1987.