MARCH 31, 2025 |
Photo – Former Senator Al Simpson – Bigfoot99 file photo
Wyoming bids a final farewell to Al Simpson today. On Saturday, Pete Simpson, born in 1931 ten months before his younger brother, stood from his wheelchair and paid tribute to the former U.S. Senator at a memorial service in Laramie at the University of Wyoming.
The younger Simpson died at the age of 93 in Cody on March 14th. He will be buried in his hometown later today.
During the eulogy Saturday, the older Simpson paid tribute to his brother, reading a 1922 poem by Edwin Markam. The poem, “Lincoln, the Man of the People,” was presented at the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial.
Simpson concluded his tribute to his younger brother by quoting the poem.
Audio PlayerThe applause lasted nearly a full minute.
During the memorial service Saturday, 14 speakers—lawmakers at the state and federal level, friends, and family eulogized Simpson as a man who had the ability to connect with other people even those with whom he disagreed.
Among those paying tribute was Governor Mark Gordon.
Audio PlayerSaturday’s service at UW concluded with the ceremonial folding of the American flag, which was presented to Simpson’s widow, Ann, by Gov. Gordon, and a performance of “Taps” by the Wyoming Army National Guard.
The memorial service for Simpson is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Christ Episcopal Church in Cody.
Overflow venues will be available at the Coe Auditorium in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the Wynona Thompson Auditorium.
A public reception and free open house will follow the service at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West from noon to 2 p.m.
