Rūja was born on September 1, 1928.
Auziņš says that Rūja still came to Riga as a “country boy” from North Vidzeme and entered the 2nd studio of Daile Theater, playing the main roles under the direction of director Eduards Smiļģis.
The poet directed the Drama Theater (now the National Theater), later also the director of the Latvian National Opera, then the cultural palace “Ziemeļblāzma”.
He was also the editor of the publishing house “Liesma”.
Rūja has also worked in the Association of Seniors of Vocational Education and Culture Workers “Saulstariņš”.
The poet has also won the title of honorary citizen of Rūjiena.
Auziņš says that Rūja celebrated his 90th anniversary at the Riga Latvian Society, where he worked at the “Omulības kluba”. “Joyfully thrilled, as if a marshal’s wand had been given, the entertainer received a message that he had been awarded the title of honorary soldier, because he befriended the army and dedicated many poems to them,” said Auziņš.
The poet passed away on September 27. Farewell from Rūja will take place on Friday, October 2, at 2 pm, in the Great Hall of the Crematorium in Riga.
