In Memoriam: Senator Alan K. Simpson (1931-2025)

It is with profound sadness that the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming announces the passing of Senator Alan K. Simpson. The AHC staff mourns the loss of a statesman, benefactor, and dear friend whose legacy has shaped not only our institution but the fabric of Wyoming and our nation.

Born in Denver and raised in Cody, Wyoming, Senator Simpson embodied the spirit of the West—straightforward, resilient, and guided by unwavering principles. His remarkable career in public service spanned from the Wyoming House of Representatives to three distinguished terms in the U.S. Senate, where he served as Senate Republican Whip and later co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Beyond his political achievements, we at the AHC knew Al as someone whose humanity transcended partisan lines. He demonstrated that one could hold strong convictions while maintaining respectful dialogue across ideological divides. His ability to disagree without being disagreeable stands as a powerful example in today's political landscape.

In 2000, the Alan K. Simpson Institute for Western Politics and Leadership was established at the AHC through the generosity of Julienne Michel, a friend of Al and his beloved wife, Ann. What began with preserving the papers of the Simpson family—including those of his father Milward Simpson, Wyoming’s 23rd Governor and U.S. Senator—has grown into a broader program sponsoring oral histories, Wyoming History Day awards, research fellowships, and public programming that reflects Al’s dedication to Wyoming and public service.

The AHC has been privileged to serve as the home for the Simpson family’s papers. Al regularly contributed his own—often coinciding with UW home football games. These materials document not just his political career but also his advocacy for equality, fiscal responsibility, and bipartisan cooperation.

Senator Simpson’s wit and wisdom, his booming laugh and straight talk, his deep love for Ann, and his genuine interest in everyone he met—these are the qualities we will remember most. His famous words, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters,” were not just a saying but a principle by which he lived.

As we honor his memory, the American Heritage Center reaffirms our commitment to preserving the Simpson legacy and advancing the values he championed—integrity, service, and the civil exchange of ideas. We extend our deepest condolences to Ann Simpson, their children, grandchildren, and to Al’s brother Pete Simpson and his family.

The loss of Senator Simpson leaves an unfillable void, but his impact on our institution, state, and nation will continue to inspire generations to come.

For personal reflections on Senator Simpson from Simpson Institute Archivist Leslie Waggener, please visit the AHC blog. March 14, 2025.

American Heritage Center

The Alan K. Simpson Institute for Western Politics and Leadership is a program of the American Heritage Center focusing on the acquisition, preservation, and research use of the papers of prominent individuals, businesses, and organizations that have provided leadership - political, economic, social, and cultural - for Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West. The Simpson Institute was created in 2000 when Julienne Michel contributed $500,000 to the University of Wyoming as "seed" money and pledged a $1 million estate gift to endow the Institute's permanent operations. Michel was a UW benefactor and friend of former U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson and his wife, Ann. To learn more about business and political leadership in Wyoming and the region, please view the AHC's Business Collections and Politics and Public Affairs Collections pages.