Robert Paterson was born in Arbroath.
He was employed as a clerk, and latterly a cashier with the Dundee and Arbroath Joint Railway until he resigned in 1918, to become the assistant executive officer for the Food Control Committee. In 1919 he became the chief executive officer. A position he held until 1921, after which he changed career and entered the licensing trade. He retired from business in 1931.
In 1908 Robert became a member of the Dundee Parish Council, serving between 1913-1919 as chairman.
He became a director of Dundee Football Club on 5th June 1915, filling the vacancy left by the retiral of Mr Andrew Birrell. He also held the posts of interim secretary and vice-chairman during his thirty years of service with the club.
A keen bowler, Robert was a member of Baxter Park & Fairmuir bowling clubs.
He died, aged 76, on 26th August 1944. His wife had pre-deceased him, but he left a family of two sons and two daughters.