A much-loved Oregon television personality, instantly recognizable to his regular viewers for his outdoor presenting and journalism, has passed away at the age of 73.
Per Oregon Live, Grant McOmie died early on the morning of Thursday, March 26, after a brief undisclosed illness.
McOmie created the brilliant “Grant’s Getaways.” You can listen to those in podcast form and read them in book form.
Throughout a storied career that spanned five decades, he most notably worked with two of Portland’s major television stations, KATU and, most recently, KGW.
KGW president and general manager Greg Retsinas wrote in an email that McOmie “wasn’t just a talented journalist and storyteller; he was a trusted guide who made Oregon’s rivers, forests, and backroads feel like a shared backyard. (He) inspired countless families to get outside, explore new places, and care more deeply for this state we call home.”
Additionally, Retsinas said, “He was a dear colleague to all of us at KGW. His spirit and stories will be dearly missed.”
Both KGW and KATU posted news of McOmie’s passing on their official Instagram accounts.
KGW Say Grant McOmie ‘Inspired People’
In their announcement about Greg McOmie’s passing to their 122,000 followers, KGW’s Instagram account posted a picture of him. It is captioned, “He told the stories of the Northwest, and inspired people to “get out there” and explore it. Grant McOmie, the award-winning journalist behind Grant’s Getaways on KGW, has died.”
Their followers flocked to the comments section to pay heartfelt tributes to McOmie.
One follower wrote, “Such a treasure, and his voice was unmatched. A loss for Oregonians!”
Another one said, “That’s sad. He was a true Oregon treasure!!!”
Someone else commented, “He showed us so many places and inspired my love for travel across the PNW. I have all of his “Grants Getaways” books and will continue to let them lead me to cool places. He will be missed!”
Notably, McOmie’s co-worker at KGW, Laural Porter, said, “We love you Grant. You meant so much to your viewers in the northwest. You will be dearly missed. Sending love, prayers, and peace to your family. ❤️🙏”
Finally, a big fan of McOmie’s wrote, “This is so very sad and such a loss for us here in Oregon. I loved all of his stories and looked forward to watching the infamous Grant’s Getaways 😢🙏🏼 thoughts and prayers to his family.”
KATU Viewers Will Miss ‘The Wonderful Sound of His Voice’
KATU also announced the news of Grant McOmie’s passing to their 65,000 followers. It features another photograph of McOmie, with the caption, “Grant McOmie, known for decades of outdoor reporting at KATU and KGW, has died.”
The caption continues, “He hosted “Grant’s Getaways,” guiding people through the unique and wild wonders of the Pacific Northwest.”
KATU’s followers were equally as sad to read McOmie had died.
One of them wrote, “He will always have a special place. The wonderful sound of his voice. He will be missed.”
Another noted, “His voice is forever imprinted in my mind, sharing the beautiful splendors of the PNW. RIP, Grant 🌲🌲🌲.”
Someone else commented, “God Bless his family and friends. A wonderful host to the Pacific Northwest. He will be missed by many.❤️💔”
Meanwhile, an Instagram user said, “Rest in peace grant you were always a very stellar old school reporter.”
Finally, one person said, “Legendary journalist and great advocate for Oregon’s outdoors. Gone too soon. Prayers to Chris and the boys.”
McOmie leaves behind his wife Christine and three sons, Grant III, Eric, and Kevin. We sincerely hope they’re coping with their tragic loss.
We’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to Grant McOmie’s family and friends at this upsetting time. May he rest in eternal peace.
