Al Simpson Makes Final Trip To Wyoming Capitol, Lies In State

CHEYENNE — The late former Wyoming U.S. Al Simpson was brought into the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday to lie in state, one of the last opportunities for the public to pay tribute to the man.

It also was one of the last few opportunities for Simpson’s family to say goodbye to their elder statesman.

Simpson died March 14 at the age of 93.

His flag-draped casket was carried into the Capitol by a military procession from the Army National Guard, greeted by a mild and sunny early spring day. As the procession approached the Capitol, Simpson’s family awaited on the building’s steps. A smattering of veterans watching held their hands to their heads in salute and state employees could be seen watching through the inside of the Herschler Building.

As the family gathered around his casket, they sang, “The More We Get Together.” Colin Simpson, Al’s son, told Cowboy State Daily this is a song the Simpson family has always sung at get-togethers, and in the waning days of Simpson’s life when visiting him in hospice.

“It’s a great bonding ritual,” Simpson said.

Thursday’s event was attended by around 100 people, including Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Treasurer Curt Meier and Auditor Kristi Racines. Gov. Mark Gordon was still in Washington, D.C. as of Thursday morning, but plans to speak at 2 p.m. Friday for Simpson’s recession ceremony. 

A staff member for Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder confirmed she was in Washington, D.C., as well Thursday but plans to attend Simpson’s Friday ceremony.

Memories

Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate Fox said she first met Simpson when she was in law school, describing him as a man “who stood tall, figuratively and literally.” Although Fox said Simpson will be missed, she believes his legacy will endure. She also commended his unmatched wit and relentless commitment to bipartisanship. 

“Al carried with him a lesson from his mother, that humor is the universal solvent against the abrasive elements of life, even though sometimes his humor could be abrasive,”  Fox said, bringing a laugh from the audience. 

It’s possible Simpson was first instilled with the value of bipartisanship as a young boy, when he and his boy scout troop visited a Japanese troop stationed at the Heart Mountain Internment Camp outside of Cody during World War II. There, Simpson developed a friendship with former U.S. Congressman Norm Mineta. 

Cheyenne resident Richard Garrett worked for former Colorado Democratic Senator Gary Hart on Capitol Hill. Garrett said one thing he won’t forget is the profound mutual respect Simpson and Hart had for each other.

Simpson started his political career in the Wyoming Capitol, where he served in the Legislature from 1965-1977. He served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years, rising to the role of Republican Whip, the No. 2 ranking position in the chamber.

“Though he went on to bigger things in the United States Senate, he never lost touch with his Wyoming roots or Wyoming way of thinking,” Fox said. “He never veered from his commitment to serve the people of Wyoming.”

Friendships

U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran Foy Jolley told Cowboy State Daily he developed a relationship with the Simpson family when he was a police officer at the Capitol, and thought it was only right to pay his respects on Thursday. Jolley also served on the Senate staff for the Wyoming Legislature and was a veteran’s advisor to the late former Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi.

Racines was visibly emotional during Thursday’s ceremony. A Wyoming native, Racines described Simpson as “the GOAT,” an acronym for “greatest of all time.”

“It doesn’t get more Wyoming than that,” she said. “He could get away with saying some things maybe the rest of us would not but need to be said.”

A military recession of Simpson’s casket will take place at 2 p.m. at the Capitol on Friday. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Simpson’s family will host a free celebration of life for Simpson at the University of Wyoming’s Arena Auditorium.

His funeral service will take place Monday morning in Cody, an event that will be broadcast live on Wyoming PBS.

Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.