From Cody boy scout to trouble-making UW college student and prominent U.S. Senator who met with world leaders, Alan Simpson led a storied life. The lawyer, Republican politician and army veteran spent 18 years working for Wyoming in Washington, D.C., during an era when the state enjoyed unprecedented political power. Often joined by his lifelong companion and wife, Ann, Simpson toured foreign countries, dined with heads of state and traveled Wyoming to hear from constituents, relishing the job of legislating. This photo essay chronicles just some of his many antics and accomplishments. 

The Simpson family — Milward, Peter, Alan and Lorna — on bicycles in Cody. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan Simpson played football for the University of Wyoming. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan Simpson shares a laugh with a fellow Republican at a rally. (Casper Star-Tribune People Photographs, NCA 01.ii.2001.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections)
Alan Simpson at the 2009 Cody Rotary Show. (Dewey Vanderhoff)
Alan Simpson performs his signature coin trick. He could kick a coin and catch it in his shirt pocket. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Milward and Alan Simpson. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan Simpson, consummate jokester. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson responds to questions and concerns during a public meeting at the Powell City Hall in this archival photograph. (Casper Star-Tribune People Photographs, NCA 01.ii.2001.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections)
Alan Simpson amuses colleagues with an expressive story. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan Simpson with a Wyoming flag. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan and Ann Simpson not long after they were married. (Box 10449, Folder 3, Alan K. Simpson Papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming)
Alan Simpson in September 2009 during the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s annual Rendezvous Royale arts week. He was the center’s chairman. (Dewey Vanderhoff)

Katie Klingsporn reports on outdoor recreation, public lands, education and general news for WyoFile. She’s been a journalist and editor covering the American West for 20 years. Her freelance work has...

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  1. I always believed Al could “talk the bark off of a tree”, and damn well knew how to deflate a lot of balloons full of hot air. I was one of the scores of Wyoming journalists lucky enough to cover his long and interesting career.

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  3. The more I learned about him over the years the more I respected him and appreciated all he did in office and after he left office. They don’t make ’em like him anymore!

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  6. What great photos. Yes Al was funny but also warm and compasionate and deeply passionate about Wyoming and Wyoming values. He knew how to legislate and how to get things done for Wyoming. Some folks would call him a RINO today and that is ironic since he really was the real deal as a conservative Republican not fixated on culture wars BS. Most people will never know the work he did behind the scenes to help all Wyoming citizens. Al was not without flaws but his strengths outweighed them. His Wyoming roots went back generations and and his legislative and policy legay will live on for generations to come.

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