In Memory of Bill Ramos: A Champion for Issaquah and the Issaquah Alps
Senator Bill Ramos, photo courtesy of the Ramos Campaign
By Ken Konigsmark, IATC Advisory Board Member
Bill Ramos, our 5th District State Senator and a 30+ year friend of mine, passed away suddenly on April 19 while on a trail run in the Issaquah Alps—a place that was special to him and to all of us. It is both shocking and deeply saddening to lose Bill so unexpectedly, and it serves as a reminder to us all to live each day to the fullest.
When I reflect on Bill and his life’s work, several descriptors come quickly to mind: leader, advocate and ally, warrior for social justice and equity, friend, public servant, environmental champion and protector, passionate, devoted, loving husband and father, and lover of life—a person who soaked in the best of life while giving back selflessly to the common good.
2018 SR-18 Wildlife Crossing Fieldtrip, photo courtesy of Tom Anderson
2019 WTA Hiker Rally Day, photo courtesy of Tom Anderson
2019 Bergsma Purchase Celebration, photo courtesy of Tom Anderson
2023 Advocacy Trip to Olympia, photo courtesy of Tom Anderson
Bill served in the U.S. Forest Service in North Bend for many years, helping to protect and enhance our public lands and trails. He then served on the Issaquah City Council, as our State Representative, and finally as our State Senator—proudly serving and representing us all as a dedicated public servant. Bill cared deeply about our forests, our environment, our trails, and our well-being, and he will be sorely missed.
2025 Lobby Day with IATC advocacy team
I frequently ran into Bill while we were both out on the trails. We would always talk about life, politics, and the latest battles that needed to be fought. Bill cared deeply, worked tirelessly, and was incredibly effective in everything he did. Issaquah, our public lands, and our entire region benefited greatly from his contributions.
Our forests, our trails, and our environment depend on people like Bill Ramos and the passion they bring to this important, challenging work. Thank you, Bill, for all that you did. You will be sorely missed—but your legacy will live on.
A celebration of life for Senator Bill Ramos will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in Issaquah. Please join the community as we gather to honor and celebrate Bill’s life and legacy.