**Knuts Ozols, longtime Latvian editor-in-chief and journalist for the broadcaster Voice of America, passed away on November 30th at the age of 81, his relatives reported.**


He worked for the US broadcaster for almost 40 years, eventually taking over the Latvian editorial office. During his time, the push for the restoration of independence began in Latvia, and initially Voice of America, along with Radio Free Europe, was a main source of information for those within Latvia seeking information free from the strictures of Soviet censorship.

Three half-hour broadcasts were produced daily, seven days a week. Many still remember the Cold War-era introduction to the broadcasts, which began with the words "This is the Voice of America from Washington." Established as far back as 1951, the Latvian editorial office ceased operations only in 2003.

Knuts was born in the summer of 1944 in Latvia, but soon after his birth his parents became refugees. His father, a Lutheran pastor, catered to the spiritual life of Latvian congregations in the United States for many years as a dean. Knuts was also actively involved in the work of the Latvian congregations in America.

He spent his final years at home in Virginia with his wife, Baiba, whom he met at the Voice of America in the early 1970s. Knuts will be sadly missed by his wife, Baiba, their three children, and many grandchildren.

Condolences from Latvian Public Media to Knuts' friends and family.

Legendary Latvian-American journalist passes away