Grant McOmie, legendary Oregon journalist and Forest Grove resident, dies at 73

Legendary Oregon journalist, author and teacher Grant McOmie died Thursday after a brief illness, KGW said. The longtime host of Grant’s Getaways was known across the state, but had close ties to the Forest Grove and Banks communities. McOmie lived in Forest Grove, graduated from Pacific University and taught there, and his wife, Chris Stobbe McOmie, is a Banks Elementary School teacher. “Grant McOmie has been a member of the KGW family for nearly a half-century. His passing is a heartbreaking loss for our community and for everyone who loves Oregon’s outdoors,” said KGW General Manager Greg Retsinas. “He 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. His ‘Grant’s Getaways’ inspired countless families to get outside and explore new places. He was a dear colleague to all of us at KGW, and our deepest condolences are with his family at this time. His spirit and stories will be missed.” McOmie graduated from Pacific University in 1975 with degrees in Drama and English. He also studied journalism, English, and speech communications at the University of Washington and the University of Portland, KGW said. He was also an adjunct professor at Pacific University. McOmie began his broadcast career at KGW-TV in 1981, and then worked at stations in Oregon and Washington before returning to KGW in 2008, when he began the popular weekly show “Grant’s Getaways.” He is survived by his wife Chris Stobbe McOmie and their three sons Grant III, Kevin and Eric.