WA - Bill Ramos (William George Ramos III), a respected Washington State Senator for the 5th Legislative District, beloved family member, and friend to so many, passed away suddenly on April 19, upon completing his evening trail run near the home he shared with his wife, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.

Bill was an extraordinarily kind man whose laughter and stories could warm any heart and his infectious smile could light up a room. He was driven by a passion for justice, guided by kindness, dedicated to making the world a better place, and always seeking to include the voices of those not in the room.

Bill was born in east Oakland, CA, to Lupe Arizu and Bill Ramos, raised in a grateful and proud union household. His deep sense of community connection and call to service was shaped by his extended Mexican and Spanish family, by their neighborhood church at St. Elizabeth's, and by growing up in the community of his mother's beauty salon.

Bill joined the US Forest Service after graduation as part of a federal outreach program to underserved communities. That turned into a 30 year Forest Service career - 16 of which were spent in the Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.

Bill went on to serve eight years with the US Department of Transportation, before being elected to the Issaquah City Council, and later to the State House to represent the 5th Legislative District in 2018. This January, Bill was sworn in to the State Senate where he served as Vice Chair of Transportation Budget, leading on safety and infrastructure. Upon passing a bi-partisan Transportation budget on April 23, leaders dedicated its passage to Bill's work to find common ground and solutions for all Washingtonians. Serving in Olympia, as a proud member of the Latino Caucus, was the honor of his life. He led with humility, compassion, and commitment to those he represented.

Bill's legacy lives on through his dance partner in life, and in public service, Sarah Perry, their adult children Maya Rose and Maxwell Ramos (Katelyn Wayne), Luis Barreto, his sisters Lupe Finch and Dolores Ramos, his Brother-in-law Don Allgeier (Corinne, Satie, Odile, Penelope), Sister-in-law Kate Laughlin (Tim, Larkin, Rowan), Sister-in-law Beth Moore (Dave, Forrest, Laurel), Maya Delgado (Kaiya, Milo), many wonderful cousins. In addition, his legacy will live on through his many wonderful friends and the dedicated members of the State Legislature, and legislative staff, who serve tirelessly for a better Washington for all.

Many of us simply have the family we were born with. But Bill, his daughter, Maya, and son, Maxwell, were keenly aware that they had intentionally, and continually, chosen each other. He was the best dad anyone could have asked for, and they are deeply honored by his presence in their lives.

All who were friends to Bill knew of his deep devotion to his wife, Sarah. They both shared a love of public service and of using their time on earth to improve lives where possible. They lived their lives in full community, and are grateful to celebrate Bill's life in full community, on Sunday, May 18th in Issaquah at 3pm. Please RSVP here if you'd like to attend https://shorturl.at/A564w.

To learn more about Bill's life and legacy or to share your own memories, please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/william-ramos/