Squire Gwin helped dozens in the Birmingham area on their road to recovery from addiction – maybe hundreds.
He helped dozens more stand up for their rights in court.
Robert W. Squire Gwin, Jr. of Birmingham, died on July 19 at the age of 81.
He was very much a local. Born in Bessemer, graduated from Samford (Howard College) and Cumberland Law School, active in the Birmingham Bar Association.
In the courtroom, he represented people who needed a guardian or guardian ad litem to represent their interests.
Outside of the courtroom, he was a founding member of ALAP (Alabama Lawyers Assistance Program), which provided support to lawyers struggling with addiction. He served on the board of JAFI (Jefferson Alcoholic Foundation, Inc.).
He was a godfather of the Birmingham recovery community.
Therapist Gena Richardson said of Gwin:
It was a privilege to have Squire as one of my board members at St Anne's Home, the oldest residential program for women recovering from substance use disorders in the Southeast. His leadership, guidance, and advocacy for the underdog profoundly shaped me and countless others—a witty, charismatic legend who never met a stranger.
He also served with Rickwood Field, the Fellowship House and the Birmingham Track Club. He was a longtime member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
His obituary stated, "He was known everywhere for his raspy voice, giant laugh, well-timed candid insights, and the sparkle in his eyes when he told a good story. He had an unmatched ability to make people feel truly seen."
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Vestavia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JAFI (Jefferson Alcoholic Foundation, Inc.) 3513 7th Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35222 Jafibham.org/contact
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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