By Noah Zahn
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

CHEYENNE — Honoring the life of his younger brother, 94-year-old Pete Simpson stood from his wheelchair to deliver a speech as the hundreds in attendance stood and applauded in support.

“(Al Simpson) always said, ‘I hate when people stand up. So many escape,’” Pete Simpson said as the crowd chuckled, a nod to his brother’s famous use of humor to connect with an audience.

Alan Simpson, 93, died March 14 in Cody.

Pete Simpson likened his brother, Alan, to Abraham Lincoln in his stature, demeanor, common sense and good wit. He quoted poet Edwin Markham from “Lincoln, Man of the People,” a poem about the passing of President Lincoln.

“‘When he went like a lordly cedar on the hill, he went down with a great shout and left a lonesome place against the sky,’” Pete Simpson said as he began to choke up. “Goodbye, big Al.”

Fourteen speakers composed of lawmakers, friends and family eulogized the former United States senator at his celebration of life on Saturday at the University of Wyoming Arena-Auditorium. Throughout the speeches, there were many crossovers of famous Simpson sayings or jokes, what Simpson referred to as “lyrical profanities,” that he was known for.

Things like “Remember when I weighed 250 pounds? Yes, I had hair and thought beer was food,” or “The thing you have to know about the seniority system in the United States Senate is that it’s just like a cesspool, and the biggest turds rise to the top” to which the crowd laughed along in jest with current Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, the No. 2 Republican leader in the Senate, who was a speaker at the event, after the latter quote was shared by former Rep. Liz Cheney.

Even though there were several commonalities in the speeches, each speaker offered unique, individual memories of their time with Simpson.

“When people met Al, and I include myself in this, you felt like he had a special relationship with you, that you were his best friend,” Gov. Mark Gordon said. “He made you feel that way.”

Three throughlines connected all 14 eulogies: that Simpson was a man of integrity, humor and humility.

Several people recited one of his famous quotes, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

When Colin Simpson, one of Alan Simpson’s three children, came to the podium to give the final speech of the event, he cartoonishly pulled up his pants in the manner his father had done many times.

“Dad was never going to be done with life or politics,” he said. “He frequently joked that the only way he would get politics out of his system was with embalming fluid.”

In his speech, Colin Simpson first addressed his mother, Ann. He thanked her for being a loving mother and the rock of his family. Al Simpson always said that he had “over married” when he wed Ann, who was from Greybull, more than 70 years ago.

“Her wonderful qualities and strong character guided hers and dad’s lives together in the most positive way,” he said. “Mom, your character, beauty, grace, intelligence and practical nature make you equal to Dad in every way.”

He also spoke about his father’s loyalty and dedication to communication.

“The most decent and honorable person I ever met was my father, one of man’s noblemen,” he continued. “His epitaph perhaps is just a single letter, the letter ‘L’ for loyalty. It coursed through his blood, loyalty to his country, loyalty to his family, loyalty to his friends, loyalty to the institutions of government and this university, and always, always a friend to his friends.”

The event was opened by Ben Blalock, former UW Foundation president/CEO and emcee of the event. He began by describing his friendship with Simpson and even recreated Simpson’s demeanor.

“Now envision his towering, 6-foot-7 presence, his slow walk as he approaches the podium, see his silly smile and gleaming mischief in his eyes,” Blalock said as he recreated Simpson’s cackle and began to imitate his voice. “Yes, yes, here we are, yes, yes … people say Simpson, Simpson, you need new jokes. No, no. I don’t need new jokes. I just need new audiences.”

The audience laughed throughout Blalock’s imitation of Simpson.

Blalock also read a letter that former President Joe Biden sent to the Simpson family after Alan’s passing. He said Biden wanted to attend the celebration of life on Saturday but ultimately could not make it due to scheduling conflicts.

In his letter, he offered his condolences to the Simpson family and shared his impressions of Simpson after working for nearly 20 years together in the U.S. Senate.

“I soon came to understand that everything Al did, he did with humor and conviction,” Biden wrote. “Throughout his career, he always believed in forging real relationships, working across the aisle and proving that anything is possible when we work together. From his early days as a Boy Scout to his decades in public service, Al embodied the essence of America.

“… Despite our differences, Al will remain one of the most genuine men I’ve ever served with, one who always believed in the common good and what was best for the nation.”

In 2022, Biden presented Simpson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a citizen can receive.

Other speakers at the event included current UW President Edward Seidel, Barrasso, Erskine Bowles, former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan, former UW President Philip Dubois, former Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, AOL founder Steve Case, Simpson’s former key advisor, Mike Tongour, Cheney and Rep. Harriet Hageman.

The service concluded with the ceremonial folding of the American flag, which was presented to Ann by Gordon, and a performance of “Taps” by the Wyoming Army National Guard.