Big Al: The Lincoln-Esque Man Who Shaped Cody and the Hearts of Many
By: Allison Gee
At 93 years old, former United States Senator Al Simpson passed away gracefully and surrounded by love. The turnout of his funeral was only a sliver of the lives that Al touched. Writing a heartfelt article encompassing the life of Al Simpson is quite honestly an impossible task to accomplish because of the remarkable life he lived, and mainly because no amount of words can capture his humorous character, his heart that overflowed with love, and the imprint he left on countless lives.
Al was a true Wyoming boy, even though he was born in Denver, Colorado. He was raised in Cody, Wyoming, and grew up alongside his brother and best friend, Pete Simpson. At Al’s funeral, Pete gave a lighthearted remark, informing the audience that for the first three years of Al’s life, he did not speak; Pete spoke for him. Pete knew exactly what Al wanted and when. There was no need for Al to talk until Pete was not around, and ever since Al started talking, he never stopped making witty jokes. In his teens, Al loved exploring the freedom that these years brought. Al loved pushing his limit, and this meant he sometimes carried out plans he shouldn’t have. As a high school student he averaged a C minus/D plus. However, once in college he, as kids would say it, “locked in”. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in law and this is also where he fell in love with the wonderful, Ann Simpson. After college, Simpson served in the Army for two years where he attained the rank as Second Lieutenant. Al and Ann married not long after and moved back to the Cody Wyoming that we all know and love. He began practicing law and during their time here they had three children; William Simpson, Colin Simpson, and Sue Simpson-Gallagher. Al began serving as a United States Senator in 1979 and served for 18 years. Through this time and into his retirement Al sparked great change, served on many committees, and co-signed numerous different reforms, along with becoming an author. He will be remembered as a respected political figure who often broke the norms to create change.
Al with his granddaughter Fiona Gallagher
I can’t remember meeting Big Al and Grand Ann because they have always simply been there. Three days after I was born, my family loaded up in the car and journeyed to the Bobcat ranch, a place filled with much love and laughter, and was the destination of many Simpson parties. I assume that this is when I was first introduced to Big Al and Grand Ann. Having known them my whole life, I never saw Al as the dignified and accomplished man that he was. I only knew him as Aidan’s grandpa and through his welcoming and kind character. I remember walking to their house sometimes after school, as they only lived a few blocks from our elementary school. I remember snacking on pistachios, playing pool, and winning the lottery, for which I do, in fact, still have a check of 12 dollars signed by Al sitting in storage. I remember feeling extra special sitting next to Aidan and Al when trailing our way down Beck Ave in the 4th of July parade. But most importantly, I remember the love he had for everyone around him, which still shines in his family today. I never knew Al closely, but I could and still do feel the gratitude he had for everyone and everything around him. I feel it through his daughter, Sue Simpson Gallagher, and her two kids, Aidan and Fiona, who remind me of it with their presence. He accomplished so much in his long-lived life, but none of it would have been possible without his strong character and his gift to make others feel seen.
Photo from Milo Gladstein/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
It’s increasingly apparent that Al Simpson was more than a United States Senator. He was a hilarious, welcoming, sharp-witted, and kind friend to everyone he knew. Without Al Simpson, the town of Cody, the state of Wyoming, and our country as a whole would be a different place. Al is an incredible example not only in politics but in life on how we should treat one another. Even though he battled many in court and on the floor, he was able to see past disagreements and love people for who they were. He deeply wanted to know others, no matter how they defined themselves or what they believed. This is one of the main reasons why his funeral was highly attended. Al Simpson made people feel seen, heard, and loved. He was a friend to us all, even if we barely knew him. Al’s funeral was filled with immense love, gratitude, and humor, exactly how we would’ve wanted it.
So, if one were to search up who Al Simpson was, they could easily find his impressive list of accomplishments and achievements, however, the internet does not say how he will continue to live on in the land and items he loved, and most importantly, he will continue to live on in the people he loved. Instead of sulking in the loss of this incredible man, let his life be a reminder to all on the importance of loving one another despite our differences. Let Al’s life shape us to be more compassionate and kind, and let us all make him proud because all of us are worth something.