The Pacific Northwest lost a legendary storyteller this morning. Grant McOmie, the iconic host of Grant’s Getaways and a fixture of Oregon broadcasting for over four decades, has passed away at age 73 following a brief illness.
For those of us here in Washington County, Grant wasn’t just a face on KGW or KATU; he was a neighbor and a frequent visitor to our own backyards. While his stories took him from the high deserts of Prineville to the rugged coast, he had a deep, personal connection to our local soil.
A Washington County Connection
Grant’s ties to our community were more than professional. He was a Pacific University alumnus (Class of ’75), where he began a lifelong mentorship that eventually brought him together with his long-term videographer, Jeff Kastner. He often highlighted the natural beauty right here in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas:
- Jackson Bottom Wetlands: Grant championed this as a “birder’s paradise” and a vital “island of serenity” on the doorstep of our fast-growing city.
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: He frequently reminded viewers that world-class adventure was only 20 miles from the “city hub-bub,” often filming segments on the trails of Buxton and Vernonia.
- The “Land of the Giants”: One of his memorable local features focused on Washington County’s heritage trees, including the massive 150-foot giants standing quietly on the corners of our local streets.
The Voice That Put Us at Ease
Grant’s career began at KGW in 1981, and across twelve Emmy Awards and thousands of segments, his mission remained unchanged: “Just get out there.” Whether he was explaining how the Missoula Floods enriched the soil of the Willamette Valley or showing us a hidden waterfall in the Tillamook State Forest, his gravelly, warm, and distinctive voice was the “gullywasher of all gullywashers” for Oregon tourism.
He didn’t just report on the outdoors; he invited us into it. He shared his love of Oregon through his amazing body of work.
A Legacy in the Mud and the Rain
Even in his final weeks, Grant was working. His most recent segments, which aired just this month, explored the Ice Age history of Lake Allison and the migrating geese at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. He was a fifth-generation Oregonian who understood that the real stories weren’t in the studios, but “where the asphalt turns to gravel.”
For those of us at the Hillsboro Herald, we recognize in Grant a kindred spirit—someone who valued local history, transparency of the natural world, and the power of a story told with a “homeboy” heart. Many of us from Washington County, the place he called home, valued his nature and wild country first approach- a reminder that we are only as good as the way we treat our land, forests, wildlife, and waterways. As we face an uncertain future with the destruction of our wild lands and farms unfolding all around us, Grant will be watching and urging us to remember him and to value the places his stories brought us.
Rest in peace, Grant. We’ll see you out there on the backroads.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE GREAT MAN BELOW, AND WE WILL POST THEM
See the farewell news story posted by KGW
I remember when they did the story of the Porter Redwoods. His photographer stood in the field next to the house I was living in. I wondered what that guy was doing out there? And saw the wonderful story. My brother in law lives down the lane of Redwoods. The Porter homestead was recently torn down.
I fell in love with the Oregon Coast riding my bicycle out there. I always enjoyed his segments about the coast that reminded me of those happy days. It reminds me that time is not infinite.
His stories were valuable, teaching us how beautiful our state is from one corner to the other. I learned so much from his features. Mr. Kastner, Grant’s longtime photographer and student did a fantastic job of capturing Oregon’s wonder and beauty while Grant told us all about what we were seeing. Grant, I will so miss your wonderful adventures around Oregon. No one can do it as well as you did. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You sure will be missed but not forgotten. I hope your stories continue to be aired so that more can see the fruits of your labor and love this beautiful state in which we live. RIP dear man.
Grant’s soft mellow voice always encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the places we call home. From the quiet trails to small-town streets, Grant reminded us that adventures were close by. My husband and I would watch his segments, look at one another and say, “Did not know about this place, let’s go”. Rest in Peace.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. McOmie and his wife a couple of weeks prior to his passing. I had always seen him on the tv and was just mesmerized by his calming voice. We only spent about 10 minutes together, but just that time was enough for me to see what a special human being this man was. Oregon has truly lost one great person. RIP Mr. McOmie, Oregon will never be the same without you here
My first family and I watched Grant’s Getaways for eons, especially his endearing Oregon Coast segments. And we visited and did all of the coastal places and recreations that he showcased! Although we’re sadly no longer together and haven’t been in 20 years, I rewatch them to this day and Grant’s voice is a comforting reminder of those days and always will be. Thanks Grant! You’ve reached and touched folks further than you know and will always be missed. Rest in peace!