The Simpson family and my family have enjoyed around 100 years of friendship. While this friendship began before I was alive, even as a young boy I remember dinners with the Simpsons at my grandparent’s (Cliff and Martha Hansen) home in Jackson, where good food was shared, politics were bantered, and high good humor prevailed.
We feel so fortunate to have a multigenerational friendship with the wonderful Simpson family.
And like all Wyomingites, my family is enormously grateful to the Simpsons, recognizing all they have meant to and done for our state and our country.
In my first primary for Wyoming governor there was a crowded Republican field with exceptional candidates.
One of the best was Al’s son, Colin. Colin had great leadership skills combined with a wealth of experience serving in the Wyoming legislature. The primary was a very close race.
Having a family member competing in a political campaign is an emotional investment on the part of the entire family, and can lead to ill-will and broken friendships. Not so with Al.
Very early in the morning following the late primary night, my wife, Carol and I were awakened by a phone call. It was Al and Ann Simpson.
They called to congratulate me, to offer any assistance and express in every way possible the warmth and friendship for which Al and Ann are beloved across our state.
While Al and Ann, could understandably have had some amount of resentment, considering the outcome of the election, they instead shared unconditional support.
This is but one example of endless others that can be told about the Simpson family and the life Al lived. Al’s grace, generosity, humour and friendship that he shared not just with some, but with all, are why he is, and will always will be, a Wyoming treasure.
In the long history our families have shared, there may have been political differences – certainly opposing each other in a political campaign is an expression of differences – but despite whatever political differences there have been, Al always recognized that there are things far more important than agreeing on every issue. Family, friends and integrity were at the top of the list for Al.
Currently our country seems divided. During this time of division it is a great loss to lose someone like Al who didn’t view people with opposing views as enemies or with hate.
Al did not shun those with opposing views, but instead, he listened. Al was smart enough that he was usually right; he was also smart enough and had the courage to change his mind when the facts warranted it.
Al’s physical stature was something to note, but he was a giant of man not due to his physical presence but instead because of the life he led in service, love for his community, Wyoming, our country and most importantly for his family and friends.
My hope as we remember Al, and his incredible life is that we can all be guided by the example he set of leadership and friendship.
Al understood we can choose to separate from one another based on our particular views or we can embrace the fact that the richness, the strength of our communities and our country is not because we all agree, but because with humor and goodwill, our collective views will make us better.
To the Simpson family, my family sends our deepest condolences, for the loss of Al.
The generations will continue to pass but our friendship and admiration for the Simpson family and Al’s shining light will never fade.
Gov. Matt Mead
Matt Mead served as the 32nd Governor of Wyoming from 2011 to 2019.
