Washington State Senator Bill Ramos dies unexpectedly Saturday night

Washington State Senator Bill Ramos died suddenly on Saturday night, according to his wife, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. She made the announcement on Facebook.

“It is with the deepest heartache that I share the news that the love of my life, Bill Ramos, passed away while on a trail run tonight.”

Ramos was 69 years old.

The state lawmaker represented the 5th Legislative District, which includes Black Diamond, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Renton, Sammamish, and Snoqualmie, and unincorporated areas in Auburn, Enumclaw, Covington, Fall City, Hobart, North Bend and Preston.

His wife shared more on her devastating loss, in a news release Sunday morning:

“He was doing what he loved – running on one of the many trails near our Issaquah home. For Bill, these runs were a way to relieve stress during a busy legislative session, a way to stay active – and exercise our dog Sadie – and a way to reconnect to the forests and hills he loved that shaped his career.”

Tributes following the unexpected death of Sen. Bill Ramos

Across the aisle, tributes poured in to celebrate the life of Ramos.

Governor Bob Ferguson posted this message:

“Bill was a dedicated public servant and a delightful person. Colleen and I last saw him a week ago at an event where he was receiving an award. Bill was, of course, with Sarah. It was a typical conversation with them — big hugs, wide smiles, and lots of laughter. I will so miss him.”

Perry’s colleague, King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn also expressed his condolences.

“I am saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Bill Ramos—a good man and dedicated public servant who I respected greatly. I enjoyed working with Bill in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”

According to his Senate Democratic Party web page, Ramos grew up in East Oakland, where he saw first-hand many students without resources who struggled to succeed.

Ramos went to college at Humboldt State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Sciences.

Later he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in North Bend and Enumclaw as Director of Timber Management, Director of Recreation and Public Services, and Director of Ecosystem Management.

During his tenure with the Forest Service, he led a team of scientists working to provide an environmental analysis of federal lands.

Ramos also spent nearly a decade of public service in the federal government working in transportation issues.

He served in the Federal Transit Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, from 2005 to 2013.

Ramos worked as a Community Planner and specialized in developing and managing the Tribal Transit Program, as well as Rural and Small Urban Area Transit Systems.

As the Federal Tribal Liaison, he directed projects to improve public transit on tribal lands and worked collaboratively with 56 tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

From 2016 to 2019, Ramos was a member of the Issaquah City Council.  He also served on Issaquah’s Economic Vitality Commission, its Planning and Policy Commission, and was chairman of the city’s Human Service Commission.

Ramos had also been a small business owner since 1996.

Washington Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, offered her condolences in the following statement:

“Sen. Bill Ramos brought boundless energy and incredible dedication to doing the people’s work in the legislature. As the former chair of the State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee in the House, he helped advance legislation to ensure more effective, accountable, and equitable government for all people in Washington. He was also a tireless champion for improving our transportation system…”

His death comes just two days after the Washington State Senate passed a bipartisan bill he sponsored to modernize the state’s excavation safety laws to better protect workers and underground utilities and ensure efficient infrastructure work.

Senate Bill 5627 would strengthen Washington’s “Call Before You Dig” laws and help prevent damage to water, power, and sewer lines from digging projects.

In a statement released by Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, he called Senator Ramos’s passing a “devastating loss.”

“Bill was one of the most kind and joyful people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He never let even the most serious matters get too serious. He made you like him the moment you met him.

“The shocking news of his death is a reminder to all of us of how important it is to love and appreciate the people who surround us while they’re here.”

U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, D-Bellevue, also posted a tribute:

“I’m just heartbroken. Bill Ramos was a dear friend, an incredible leader, and a treasured partner in serving our communities. We have lost a true champion in Washington State. My heart is with Councilmember Sarah Perry, and all who loved him. He will be deeply missed.”

His wife, Councilmember Perry, also shared more on the loss of her husband in the statement she released on Sunday:

“This connection to the land and people of our region was a foundation of Bill’s career in the Forest Service and US Department of Transportation, as an Issaquah City Councilmember, and in the State Legislature. Serving in Olympia was a great honor and joy for Bill, where he led with humility, compassion, and always a commitment to the people he represented. After his election to the State Senate last November, Bill was excited to build upon the work he started in the House in 2018: a focus on transportation safety and infrastructure, housing affordability for all, and protecting the air, water, and climate for all of Washington.

“He was a proud member of the legislative Latino Caucus, never forgetting his East Oakland roots, the hurdles he overcame to accomplish so much, and the importance of representation and giving back. Bill was a mentor and friend to all who asked, quick with a smile and reassuring word, and always willing to drop whatever he was doing to be of service.

“All of Bill’s public accomplishments reflected the man he was in private: a kind, loving spouse and father, brother and uncle, an animal lover who spoiled Sadie, and of course a wonderful dancer who taught me and so many others in our community as an instructor and partner.

“Losing my dance partner in life – and public service – is a shocking and unimaginable loss. I will share more details on how we will honor and celebrate his life soon, and thank you to everyone who has reached out to share how Bill touched their lives and hearts.”

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