[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. GEORGE ROBINSON ``ROBIN'' SWIFT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Escambia County and indeed the entire state 
of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him 
and pay tribute to his memory.
  Mr. George Robinson ``Robin'' Swift, Jr., was a devoted family man 
and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life.
  His desire to provide the best opportunities possible for his fellow 
Alabamians led him to become involved in state politics on both the 
local and statewide levels, culminating with a hard-fought campaign for 
governor in 1994. Prior to his run for elective office, Robin Swift 
participated on the campaign of former Governor Guy Hunt and served 
with distinction as the governor's finance director. It would be safe 
to say that the state of Alabama has never had a finer, more dedicated 
or more capable finance director than Robin Swift.
  During his tenure as finance director, Robin was extremely diligent 
with the taxpayer's money and set the highest standard for all public 
servants. One of his former colleagues in the Alabama Finance Office, 
Lee Miller, paid tribute to Mr. Swift's tremendous success when he 
said, ``He led by example, and was the best steward of the public trust 
I ever encountered at any level of government.''
  Mr. Speaker, while Robin Swift was an exemplary model of public 
service, his true love was America's free enterprise system where, as a 
small business owner in Atmore, he was extremely familiar with the 
challenges and goals of running a successful business. That business, 
Swift Lumber Company, provides employment opportunities today to many 
dozens of hardworking men and women throughout South Alabama. While 
serving as president of Swift Lumber Company, Robin Swift and his 
family have provided a local anchor that remains an important part of 
the area economy to this day.
  Additionally, Mr. Swift was a proud veteran of the United States Army 
and served with distinction for two years during the Korean War.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for the citizens of 
Escambia County and the state of Alabama. Mr. Swift will be deeply 
missed by his family--his wife, Lucille King Swift, his daughter, Lisa 
Swift Marks, his son, G. Robin Swift, III, and his six grandchildren--
as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________