Ülo Loorens, the longtime mayor of Oru, has passed away

Ülo Loorens. Photo by Urmas Lauri

On Monday, Ülo Loorens (5.08.1951- 14.10.2024), the longtime mayor of Oru and the soul of the community, left us unexpectedly.

Ülo Loorens, who came from Ääniste village in Oru municipality, was connected to Läänemaa and the region of Oru throughout his life. After his studies at Olustvere State Farm Technical University, he returned to his hometown, the Linnamäe collective farm, rising over time to the head agronomist of the collective farm.

When the municipalities were restored with Estonia’s independence, Ülo Loorens became the mayor of Oru in 1991. He held this position until 2005. Locals remember him as a very realistic and forward-looking mayor who was highly respected both as a mayor and as a person.

One of Ülo Loorens’ big undertakings, which is still bearing fruit, was the construction of a new school building for Oru school.

The Linnamäe Development Society writes in its obituary that Ülo Loorenas was a broad-minded and hard-working man who spent a large part of his free time reading and was especially interested in history. He was a good storyteller in every company, he knew the history and people of the Oru region, and he talked about it in his characteristic soft and sweet way.

Ülo Loorens always participated in joint community activities. His goal was for people to feel happy and proud of their home place, because it moves life forward and encourages young people to come and live in the countryside.

Ülo Loorens has been recognized by the President of the Republic of Estonia for the restoration and promotion of the Republic of Estonia in 2006 with the Order of Valgetähe IV class.

In addition, he has been an honorary citizen and owner of the coat of arms of Lääne-Nigula municipality since 2019 for shaping the long-term development of the living environment in the Oru region.

In 2019, Ülo Loorens, the funny kid himself, received the title of Lääne County Father of the Year, and in 2023, the Estonian Women’s Union declared him Estonian Father of the Year.

2024-10-14 20:46:00
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