I worked at KATU for 20 years lugging a camera, shooting news and sports. Shoots with Grant were always an education. They were also a joy, wonder and work! Whether drift boating on a snowy Wilson river or tracking bears with scientist with radios, up and down the steep old growth forests of Lane county, it was always worth the effort. Thanks for this loving tribute to Grant and Bill. We don’t know how lucky we have been to have these men share their lives and stories.
Mr Beard, I count you as a very blessed man to have spent so much time with Grant. I'm sure that those moments never felt like "work", but being paid to have fun.
Thank you for sharing!! His family is in my prayers!
Thanks John. I'll upgrade to paid (at least temporarily 😉) for this piece. Grant reminded me of my dad, he passed 9yrs ago yesterday. Been a quiet stretch without him but I hear his counsel frequently in my mind and it often sounded a lot like Grant. Look around you boy, you can't hear a place until you shutup for a minute, it doesn't matter if it's someone else's trash just pick it up, respect a place and you'll find you appreciate it more, etc. Memory lane is a fun stretch thanks for the walk.
Sounds like my uncle Troy, we used to lounge in his 3 acre backyard with a creek nearby and a small outdoor fire listening to nature and counting the commercial jets as they flew over. We spoke very few words and just listening the creek, hummingbirds, crackling fire, dogs barking and wind whistling through the tall firs.
Grant was an outdoor hero to me, although of course we never met. Another good person of high value has moved onward, and far too early. Thanks so much for this tribute, John. And for the Lewis reference as well!
I've lived in Oregon for 72 years, including enjoying my teen years in a small logging town. Even with decades of enjoying our amazing state, Grant made me feel like I hadn't begun to explore it yet. He not only took me places I'd never been, he made me want to go there myself. He was truly a one of a kind human being I wish I could have met. Miss him already!
… your book of Short Story autobiographies is needed in this world of Malcontents who are never happy …. ! Grant showed all of us how to be happy with what GOD gave us , opposite of material things !
Be happy, seek nature and Wildlife, and contentment will follow !
My mom could whistle like a bird and knit like a machine. She was grand champion quilter. 5 times lane co with stiff competition. Canzano has all those qualities too in a different world. I never knew either one but I do know. Thank you for your presence and your grace and your grit because without you we’re all much poorer…
Was always entertaining and educating when you were flipping channels and ran into one of Grant's shows Was sad to hear the news. All my best to his wife and family. Thanks for sharing your insight as always
I can hear Grant’s voice in my head right now, even with this Iowa-Illinois game going in. So many times over the decades flipping to OPB and there was that voice and face to welcome one in.
Such a fitting statement about Grant's passing, "We move onward.". Until reading this piece I did not know about him, but it sure sounds like this is what he would like all of his loved ones, friends and fans to do to honor him.
As an 8th grade science project and an Ode to the Oregon Trail, I created a 28 day tour across the great Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California). I discovered things I did not know about our region and the many natural beauties that come with our great outdoors. I've completed nearly half of that tour and hope to finish with my yet to become grandkids. I used to watch Grant's fishing show on the Columbia River. GREAT HUMAN!
John, if you haven't already crossed paths with Mitchell Forde, keep an eye out for him. He is a thoughtful young outdoor journalist from the midwest who moved to OR a couple years back, and I suspect you two would enjoy knowing each other.
Many years ago, I had hooked a wild salmon on the Clackamas, was fighting it and Grant in a drift boat behind me. His guide anchored and the cameraman filmed me as I caught and released it. Not sure it ever appeared on TV but what I remember was Grant's glee in my success...almost more than mine. His joy in what we were all experiencing was so infectious. Cripes. Too young.
John, you have outdone yourself once again. What a wonderful tribute to Grant and his career.
Your writing is such a pleasure to read while it fills me with positive thoughts and knowledge. you are a master - and I am sooo happy to be on your subscriber list.
Thank you, once again. Your choice of "a folksy delivery and a box of gravel" are perfect for Grant and an example of how easy you are to read and follow.
A folksy delivery and a box of gravel.
What great words.
Grant McOmie was a legend.
i had a father that breathed fishing.I married a man that added his coaching expertise to fishing
That’s beautiful
I worked at KATU for 20 years lugging a camera, shooting news and sports. Shoots with Grant were always an education. They were also a joy, wonder and work! Whether drift boating on a snowy Wilson river or tracking bears with scientist with radios, up and down the steep old growth forests of Lane county, it was always worth the effort. Thanks for this loving tribute to Grant and Bill. We don’t know how lucky we have been to have these men share their lives and stories.
Mr Beard, I count you as a very blessed man to have spent so much time with Grant. I'm sure that those moments never felt like "work", but being paid to have fun.
Thank you for sharing!! His family is in my prayers!
Thanks John. I'll upgrade to paid (at least temporarily 😉) for this piece. Grant reminded me of my dad, he passed 9yrs ago yesterday. Been a quiet stretch without him but I hear his counsel frequently in my mind and it often sounded a lot like Grant. Look around you boy, you can't hear a place until you shutup for a minute, it doesn't matter if it's someone else's trash just pick it up, respect a place and you'll find you appreciate it more, etc. Memory lane is a fun stretch thanks for the walk.
So rich. We are lucky to have these people.
Sounds like my uncle Troy, we used to lounge in his 3 acre backyard with a creek nearby and a small outdoor fire listening to nature and counting the commercial jets as they flew over. We spoke very few words and just listening the creek, hummingbirds, crackling fire, dogs barking and wind whistling through the tall firs.
Life in the North West, nothing like it !
sssshhhhhh, don't tell anyone!
Grant was an outdoor hero to me, although of course we never met. Another good person of high value has moved onward, and far too early. Thanks so much for this tribute, John. And for the Lewis reference as well!
I've lived in Oregon for 72 years, including enjoying my teen years in a small logging town. Even with decades of enjoying our amazing state, Grant made me feel like I hadn't begun to explore it yet. He not only took me places I'd never been, he made me want to go there myself. He was truly a one of a kind human being I wish I could have met. Miss him already!
John.
… your book of Short Story autobiographies is needed in this world of Malcontents who are never happy …. ! Grant showed all of us how to be happy with what GOD gave us , opposite of material things !
Be happy, seek nature and Wildlife, and contentment will follow !
Absolutely sir
My mom could whistle like a bird and knit like a machine. She was grand champion quilter. 5 times lane co with stiff competition. Canzano has all those qualities too in a different world. I never knew either one but I do know. Thank you for your presence and your grace and your grit because without you we’re all much poorer…
Was always entertaining and educating when you were flipping channels and ran into one of Grant's shows Was sad to hear the news. All my best to his wife and family. Thanks for sharing your insight as always
I can hear Grant’s voice in my head right now, even with this Iowa-Illinois game going in. So many times over the decades flipping to OPB and there was that voice and face to welcome one in.
Such a fitting statement about Grant's passing, "We move onward.". Until reading this piece I did not know about him, but it sure sounds like this is what he would like all of his loved ones, friends and fans to do to honor him.
As an 8th grade science project and an Ode to the Oregon Trail, I created a 28 day tour across the great Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California). I discovered things I did not know about our region and the many natural beauties that come with our great outdoors. I've completed nearly half of that tour and hope to finish with my yet to become grandkids. I used to watch Grant's fishing show on the Columbia River. GREAT HUMAN!
Thanks for everything, Grant. Go Beavs.
Thank you JC. I feel like I met these two now. I really appreciate you profiling the good guys...with a side of character!
John, if you haven't already crossed paths with Mitchell Forde, keep an eye out for him. He is a thoughtful young outdoor journalist from the midwest who moved to OR a couple years back, and I suspect you two would enjoy knowing each other.
Many years ago, I had hooked a wild salmon on the Clackamas, was fighting it and Grant in a drift boat behind me. His guide anchored and the cameraman filmed me as I caught and released it. Not sure it ever appeared on TV but what I remember was Grant's glee in my success...almost more than mine. His joy in what we were all experiencing was so infectious. Cripes. Too young.
John, you have outdone yourself once again. What a wonderful tribute to Grant and his career.
Your writing is such a pleasure to read while it fills me with positive thoughts and knowledge. you are a master - and I am sooo happy to be on your subscriber list.
Thank you, once again. Your choice of "a folksy delivery and a box of gravel" are perfect for Grant and an example of how easy you are to read and follow.