Robert has been told his name means “A Good Man,” though he’s unsure about the spelling. Born in Minnesota, his family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, when he was 6 years old. Family and community have shaped his life.
He met his wife, Lizzie Ann Reich, ‘Akpayuk’ of Kotzebue, in Chugiak in 1993. The couple made their home in Kotzebue in 1997 and married a year later. Together, they raised Lizzie’s two children: Mary Von and Jason Lois Beaudion, and then their daughter Jessica Inez, who was born in Kotzebue in 1999.
Robert shares his family’s love of the outdoors—camping and fishing—and many don’t know he grew up in a musical family. His father had a master’s degree in music, and his siblings formed “The Davis Family Band,” performing across Alaska during the pipeline boom, including at venues they owned, such as the Rendezvous in Fairbanks and the Aurora Lodge. His brother, Monte Davis, is part of the Alaskan duo “Joann & Monte,” who have released 11 original albums celebrating life in Alaska. Robert still enjoys sitting around the campfire, guitar in hand, sharing music with those around him.
His professional journey has been just as diverse. While living in Kotzebue, Robert worked for Maniilaq and spent a summer as a cook at the NANA-owned Nullugvik Hotel. He joined the Red Dog Mine team in 2010 and has now been with NMS for 15 years.
Today, he’s serving as Camp Manager at our new Manh Choh campus in Tok Junction. While he’s enjoying this next chapter and the people he works with, Robert admits he misses his Red Dog family—and hopes to return someday.
It’s clear that wherever Robert goes, he brings a strong work ethic and a deep love for Alaska.
