(The Center Square) – Fellow lawmakers and others in Washington state government are remembering Sen. Bill Ramos, D-Issaquah, who died unexpectedly Saturday evening during a trail run. He was 69.
Ramos had represented the largely rural 5th Legislative District since 2019. The district borders Kittitas County on the east, the 31st Legislative District on the south, parts of Maple Valley, Renton and Issaquah on the west, and Snohomish County on the north.
He first served in the state House of Representatives and was voted into the state Senate in November. Prior to serving in the Legislature, Ramos was on the Issaquah City Council from 2016 to 2019.
Colleagues express dismay and sorrow at the news of Ramos’ death.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Bill Ramos,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a Sunday morning Facebook post. “Bill’s shocking death is difficult to process.”
The governor went on to say, “I will so miss him.”
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, praised Ramos for his work and demeanor.
“Bill’s passing is a devastating loss for our caucus and for our state. He was a dedicated public servant who spent his life working to make other people’s lives better,” he said in a Sunday news release. “Although he joined our caucus only this year, he quickly became a beloved member of our team.
“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.”
Ramos’ colleagues across the aisle were also stunned at his sudden passing.
“Very much a shock and sad,” Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, told The Center Square Monday morning. “You never expect something like this to happen, so it’s shocking and so sad when it does. Certainly, our thoughts are with his family.”
As the Senate gaveled in Monday morning, a moment of silence was held in Ramos’ honor.
Senators were already scheduled to consider a resolution honoring former Secretary of State Ralph Munro, who passed away on March 20 at the age of 81.
Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, spoke in support of the resolution but first discussed Ramos’s passing.
“I have to confess that today feels a bit awkward, standing in front of Sen. Ramos’ desk where he was just here Saturday, so I hope you’ll forgive me if I’m a little rattled for part of this,” he said.
According to Ramos’ legislative biography, his priorities included the following:
Continuing support of the quick completion of Highway 18 widening and the interchange at Interstate 90, and working to secure funding for Highway 169.Protecting the environment while supporting jobs, such as industry partnerships to sequester carbon.Developing policy for public safety and law enforcement reform to reduce the needless use of force and increasing trust between police officers and the communities that they serve.Reducing property taxes and creating more affordable housing options.
The 105-day session is scheduled to end on Sunday.
Carleen Johnson contributed to this story.
