We are heartbroken to share the loss of a transportation partner, Senator Bill Ramos, of King County.
Skagit County with the County Road Administration
Board in 2022
On Saturday, April 19th, he passed suddenly while on a trail run near his home in Issaquah. He was 69.
Senator Ramos 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. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Washingtonians, particularly through his participation in the House and Senate Transportation Committees.
He worked closely with our agency to grow our programs and championed investments in county roads. Having worked in transportation, Senator Ramos brought with him a unique knowledge of the issues. He had a great sense of humor, and a true commitment to public service.
Mr. Ramos spent nearly a decade of public service working on transportation issues at the federal level, serving with both the U.S. Department of Transportation and in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). He worked as a Community Planner specializing in developing and managing the Tribal Transit Program, as well as Rural and Small Urban Area Transit Systems. As the Federal Tribal Liaison, Bill worked collaboratively with 56 tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to create or improve public transit on tribal lands.
In addition to his work in forestry and transportation, Bill served as a member of the Issaquah City Council from 2016 to 2019. Previously, he served on Issaquah’s Economic Vitality Commission, the Planning and Policy Commission, and Chair of the Issaquah Human Service Commission.
The King County Council issued a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Senator Bill Ramos. Bill was a true public servant whose passion for his community never wavered. Bill was a true public servant whose passion for his community never wavered. His leadership, kindness, and integrity will be profoundly missed."
Mr. Ramos is survived by his wife, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, and his two children, Max and Maya.
Senator Ramos will be missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, his colleagues in the Washington State Legislature.
Jane Wall
Executive Director