Senator Bill Ramos Trailhead Dedication
On September 15, the Issaquah City Council voted to rename the East Sunset Way Trailhead in honor of the late Senator Bill Ramos. He was an avid runner and frequently passed through that trailhead on his way to the Issaquah Preston Trail, one of his favorite running routes. That trail is also one of my favorite bicycle routes, so we had many chance encounters on that path. Usually, it was just a wave, or maybe I would ring my bicycle bell, and occasionally we would stop and chat. Thus, this renaming is a special reminder to me of those many little encounters with a remarkable man.
I knew him in other facets of life as well – my dance instructor (preparing for my father-daughter dance at my daughters' weddings), fellow Issaquahn, fellow church brother, and our state senator. I have sat in his office in Olympia, bending his ear in support of trails and open space (though he was already on board with all that).
The new sign was unveiled at the dedication ceremony on October 6, with Issaquah Parks Director Jeff Watling and Mayor Mary Lou Pauly presiding. Other speakers included Sarah Perry, wife of Bill, and Senator Victoria Hunt, who was appointed to fill the Senate vacancy left by the passing of Senator Ramos.
The gathering for the event was a potpourri of many local politicians, friends, neighbors, and community leaders. Here are a few photos that capture the spirit of the event:
Issaquah Parks Director Jeff Watling speaks to the crowd while Mayor Mary Lou Pauly looks on. Photo by Tom Anderson.
Sarah Perry, wife of Senator Ramos and a King County Councilmember, removed the cover to reveal the new sign. Photo by Tom Anderson.
Senator Victoria Hunt spoke of the big shoes she stepped into when she was appointed to fill the remainder of Senator Ramos's term. Photo by Tom Anderson.
Friends, neighbors and community leaders gathered around the new sign. Courtesy the City of Issaquah.