Mike Donahue, who was a correspondent and news anchor at Portland’s KOIN-TV for more than four decades, has passed away at the age of 77. Donahue passed away from pancreatic cancer, per a post on the KOIN website.
Donahue was a local example of the type of familiar face that viewers knew they could rely on to deliver the day’s news in a forthright and balanced manner in the days before viewers’ attention was fragmented among multiple sources.
For generations of Portlanders, Donahue was practically a family member. He worked at KOIN-TV in Portland for 44 years until his retirement in 2012. Donahue covered everything from the 1968 formation of the Department of Environmental Quality to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens during his tenure at KOIN.
As reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive in an article about Donahue’s retirement from KOIN in 2012, for local viewers, “It feels as if Donahue has always been with us, from his days as a baby-faced reporter through anchoring the most popular newscasts in the city to his most recent role as noon anchor and reporter.”
Donahue grew up in Albany and attended the University of Oregon to study journalism. In 1968, at the age of 22, he joined KOIN as a reporter after graduating.
He intended to devote more time to his church after retiring from KOIN. His faith centered on his relationship with God. Prayer is a tremendous aid and release for me when I’m dealing with the pressures and challenges of this job, with all of its deadlines and demands. Donahue worked for Providence Health & Services following his retirement from KOIN.
The demise of Donahue has prompted numerous posts on social media remembering the legendary journalist. On Friday 25, August, 2023 his family members posted on Facebook, “It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father. He lived a wonderful life and meant so much to so many. He will always be our Dad. We’d like to thank the countless people who sent us their love and prayers. While we are grieving this enormous loss, we are also thankful he is now at peace and once again with the love of his life, our Mom.”
Mark Nelsen, chief meteorologist for KPTV and KPDX Television in Portland, posted on Facebook, “I watched Mike Donahue on TV when I was a little kid, then worked with him during the first 7 years of my TV career at KOIN. He came over and planted a rose (he loved them!) for my wife and I after our wedding as a gift. He was a truly good man that lived his Christian faith. He sure wouldn’t want to be ‘put on a pedestal,’ so humble, but know that a wonderful Portland broadcasting icon has passed today.”
Pete Ferryman, a KPTV anchor, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Mike Donahue was the best of the best.”
A sad farewell to a true legend. Mike Donahue was the best of the best. https://t.co/DqNQxoC118
— Pete Ferryman (@PeteFerryman) August 26, 2023
Wayne Garcia, who recently retired from KPTV, posted on X, “So sorry to hear this sad news about a Portland legend. Mike was always there for all of us. A piece of Portland that I so much admired and respected has left us tonight. But his memory lives on in those of us who’ll remember his honesty and love of this city.”
So sorry to hear this sad news about a Portland legend. Mike was always there for all of us. A piece of Portland that I so much admired and respected has left us tonight. But his memory lives on in those of us who’ll remember his honesty and love of this city. https://t.co/NUgqJ5hd9B
— Wayne Garcia (@WayneGarciaTV) August 26, 2023
Jenny Hansson, a reporter for KOIN, said of Donahue on X, “Honestly, he was the most kind and genuine person I have ever worked with. Thinking of Mike’s family tonight.”
Honestly, he was the most kind and genuine person I have ever worked with. Thinking of Mike’s family tonight. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JuVeBjSVTD
— Jenny Hansson (@jennyhKOIN) August 26, 2023
Conclusion:- We extend our condolences to his family and friends. You may also share your remembrances of him in the section below. You can follow us on our website blhsnews.com if you wish to receive additional posts about these topics.
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