U.S. Senator and former Buffalo Bill Center chairman Alan K. Simpson passes away

Investing.com -- The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has announced the death of Alan K. Simpson, a former chairman of the Center’s Board of Trustees and a U.S. Senator. Simpson, 93, was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees, having served for 56 years, and was a passionate supporter of the institution.

Simpson passed away today in Cody, Wyoming. He had been battling health issues following a broken hip in December, which were further complicated by frostbite to his left foot from approximately five years ago. This resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee.

Simpson first joined the Center’s Board of Trustees in 1968. He played a key role in bringing the Winchester Collection to Cody and was instrumental in the Center’s development, earning it the nickname the "Smithsonian of the West." He held the position of Chairman from 1992 until 2011, and continued serving as a Trustee until 2024.

In addition to his work with the Center, Simpson had a distinguished political career. He served as a U.S. senator for Wyoming from Jan. 1979 until Jan. 1997, and was the Senate Majority Whip from 1985 to 1987. Prior to his Senate service, he represented Cody in the Wyoming House of Representatives from Jan. 1965 until Jan. 1977.

Simpson was known for his straight-talking style, sense of humor, and ability to foster bipartisan alliances. He remained active in civic life even after leaving the Senate. In 2010, he co-chaired President Obama’s bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform alongside Erskine Bowles, former head of the Small Business Administration and President Clinton’s chief of staff.

President Biden awarded Simpson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. He was a strong advocate for campaign finance reform, comprehensive immigration reform, civic discourse, and national debt reduction. He also supported various local and national charitable causes.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.