Top News

Beloved TV presenter Grant McOmie has died aged 73 after a brief illness. In a glittering career that spanned nearly five decades, McOmie authored and produced several editions of 'Grant's Getaways' for KATU and, most recently, KGW - two of Portland's major television stations.

In an email, KGW president and general manager Greg Retsinas described McOmie as not only a talented journalist and storyteller, but a "trusted guide who made Oregon's rivers, forests, and backroads feel like a shared backyard". Retsinas added: "(He) inspired countless families to get outside, explore new places, and care more deeply for this state we call home. He was a dear colleague to all of us at KGW. His spirit and stories will be dearly missed."

A gifted writer and teacher, McOmie graduated from Pacific University and Linfield and went on to use production skills to educate viewers across the region.

McOmie began his career at KGW in 1981, later working in Seattle before returning to Portland to join KATU in 1986. After 22 years at the station, he was abruptly let go in 2008. With the backlash that followed, KGW quickly rehired him.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, writing about many fascinating places across the Pacific Northwest. McOmie worked at KGW up until his death In a tribute, KGW news described McOmie as a "consummate storyteller" who loved nothing more than sharing the Wonders of the Pacific NorthWest.

They continued: "Grant was on TV and in his writing, exactly how he was in person, friendly, curious about the world and always so enthusiastic."

McOmie and his close friend and videographer, Jeff Kastner, have won many regional Emmy Awards and national honors from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

In 2021, McOmie was recognised for the Lifetime of Achievement Award by the National Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences, and was inducted into the Silver Circle.

Tributes have flooded in for the beloved reporter online, with one writing on Facebook: "Our deepest sympathies to the whole Grant McOmie family. We loved it when his wife was with him on many adventures and visits to her classroom. He will be missed. We love watching reruns so will hopefully see him for a while.

A second shared: "Several years ago, he interviewed my dad about his hazelnut drying. He was such a nice man and we were so excited to watch the segment. It's something I'll never forget. Such a great loss."

A third posted: "I remember when KATU let him go and was so grateful that KGW picked up his show. I met him at an All Ireland dinner years ago and he was as nice & as humble as he appeared on his travel program. I actually won one of his travel books. He was one of the good ones; we don't seem to have enough of them these days. Rest in beauty.

A fourth echoed: "Oh man, so sad to hear of this. He loved this beautiful corner of the world so much and helped us love it more too. What a treasure of a man. So many times I've shared snippets of his work with my students over the years. Thinking of those he loved and loved him."

Someone else posted: "So sad to lose the really great ones we gladly bring into our living rooms on a regular basis; Grant McOmie was definitely one of the best."

McOmie is survived by his wife Christine and three sons, Grant III, Eric and Kevin. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.