Grant McOmie Dead: Tributes for KGW Grant’s Getaways Host

Published: March 27, 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Oregon is in mourning following the sudden death of Grant McOmie, the legendary television journalist and “outdoor ambassador” whose distinctive, comforting voice brought the Pacific Northwest’s hidden gems into living rooms for over four decades. McOmie, the longtime host of the beloved Grant’s Getaways series on KGW-TV, passed away on the morning of March 26, 2026, at the age of 73. His family and colleagues confirmed that he died following a brief illness, sparking an immediate and overwhelming wave of tributes from viewers, fellow journalists, and conservationists who regarded him as “the best ever” in his field.

McOmie’s career was defined by a deep, infectious love for the Oregon outdoors. Since beginning his broadcast journey in 1981, he worked at several major Portland stations, including KATU and KGW, where he became a fixture of local news. His segments were rarely about the headlines; instead, they focused on the “quiet stories”—the best spots for winter steelhead fishing, the history of the Missoula Floods, or the seasonal return of geese to the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. With a melodious voice that remained iconic even as it softened with age, McOmie was credited with inspiring generations of Oregonians to explore their own backyards.

The “fighting spirit” McOmie brought to his work was evident until the very end. Colleagues at KGW noted that he was working on new stories just weeks before his passing, with his final segments airing earlier this month. “Grant wasn’t just a reporter; he was a storyteller who put everyone at ease,” noted one longtime collaborator. “He had this unique ability to make a story about a gullywasher or a coastal estuary feel like a personal invitation to an adventure.” Beyond the screen, McOmie was a prolific author and educator, penned several books that served as definitive guides to the region’s byways and backroads.

The response to his death has highlighted his status as a local icon. On social media, thousands of viewers shared memories of how watching Grant’s Getaways helped them through the isolation of the pandemic or sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife photography. “He was the voice of Oregon,” wrote one fan. “Hearing his name alone fills me with a sense of calm. He reminded us of the important things in life—nature, family, and the beauty of a morning on the river.” The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also issued a statement, thanking McOmie for “a lifetime of extolling the outdoors and taking us along on all of your adventures.”

While his professional legacy is secure through his myriad of awards and his role as a mentor to younger journalists, the personal loss felt by the community is profound. McOmie was often compared to figures like Bob Ross for his “chill, inspiring content” that provided a necessary antidote to the often-divisive nature of modern news. His passing marks the end of an era for Pacific Northwest broadcasting, leaving a void that many believe will never truly be filled. As one colleague put it, “The Great Grant’s Getaway in the sky just got its best guide.”

Plans for a public memorial are expected to be announced in the coming days, with many in the community already calling for a state park or trail to be named in his honor. For now, the focus remains on celebrating a life well-lived—one that was spent mining the state’s backroads and finding compelling stories around every bend. As Oregonians head out to the coast or the high desert this weekend, they will do so with the echo of McOmie’s voice reminding them to “get out there and enjoy the getaway.”

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