Graham Kerr has a good memory.
The man known during his TV days as the “Galloping Gourmet” has a new autobiography out, and it’s obvious that he remembers everything. The good. The bad. The sad. The joyful.
Nearly 82, Kerr looks much younger. The only medication he takes is an over-the-counter pain reliever and only when his back is a bit bothersome. He is still full of enthusiasm and good humor, though his more recent life as a Christian has tempered his bawdy jokes.
Kerr is healthy because he knows how to eat, though that “how” has developed over the years. It’s not as “rich” anymore, but now it’s rich in nutrition.
“Flash of Silver… the leap that changed my world” is the title of his memoir.
In it he examines his life as a way to illustrate how indulgent consumption habits are formed and how, if taken to excess, these habits become harmful to humans and the Earth.
Kerr makes use of an extended metaphor, comparing his life to a wild chinook salmon.
“One time I saw this big king salmon going upriver against the white water. It was in its last days, but I could tell with its flashes of silver that it was moving with great vigor,” said Kerr in a visit earlier this month at his home near Mount Vernon. “If it’s God’s will, I want to finish my days with that level of determination.”
Having made leaps over some major life obstacles of his own — his flashes of silver — Kerr talks about resilience.
It is the remedy for indifference in our world, he says, and includes the promise of sustainable survival.
A near fatal car accident at the height of his fame as the “High Prince of Hedonism” caused Kerr to change directions.
“Life is not a plain, flat road,” he said.
The book is divided into three parts: The salmon and Kerr are swept downstream, experiencing events both difficult and hilarious. (Remember Kerr’s leap over a chair on the sound stage of his cooking show, full glass of wine in his hand?) Next, the fish and Kerr face an “ocean of opportunity,” driven by the need to survive. Finally, they head back upstream with a purpose to survive as a species.
Each chapter encourages the reader to reflect on what she has read and participate in a discussion on Kerr’s website, www.grahamkerr.com.
“I connect with the environment and feel what other species might feel. I notice the incredible diversity that surrounds us and the need to be aware of the diversity, otherwise we will defile it because of our indifference. It’s about how we behave toward others, our community and the world.”
The book is also a love story that begins when, as a youngster, Kerr meets his future wife, Treena.
“We started this book about three years ago. Treena helped with every single word,” Kerr said. “She did not initially like the salmon metaphor, but later she enjoyed it. I want to encourage readers to hang in there until the fifth chapter.”
Kerr laughed at this point and then he teared up just a bit.
Treena died in September just days before their 60th wedding anniversary. She had gone into the hospital for a minor outpatient surgery, but she got an infection that rapidly turned to pneumonia.
After a few days, she pulled the ventilator tube out, sat up and had a joyful visit with her friends, family and hospital staff.
“Her body gave up, but it was a fantastic exit. We are all so thankful for the opportunity to say goodbye,” Kerr said. “I am grateful that God is in the business of catching people and refilling them, because grief is like falling down and being empty.”
Treena and Graham Kerr moved 27 times during their marriage, but settled in the Northwest in 1980. They lived in Salem, Oregon, in Tacoma and on Camano Island before moving to Mount Vernon.
“There is no place on Earth quite like this,” he said. “Only New Zealand is as beautiful.”
Skagit Valley is a mecca for organic farming, healthy living and purpose, Kerr said. It’s where he’s supposed to be.
Eating rich food from the early days became difficult for Treena, who developed some health issues because of their indulgent diet.
“I realized I had been doing it all wrong, and that I needed to nourish her but still delight her with our meals,” he said.
Graham had Treena list her favorite foods and then he began to reduce the harmful ingredients and increase the beneficial.
Kerr plans in 2016 to offer a program through WSU Extension (tentatively titled Partners in Purpose) that helps people examine what they eat and how they spend. The idea is that you reduce the size of your steak, buy more and better vegetables and then donate the rest of your food budget to food banks.
“I am eager to let people know that they can upgrade their lives and have fewer medical complications,” Kerr said. “And if the program goes well, I will write about that, too.”
So what does the “Galloping Gourmet” think of all the cooking shows and competitions on TV these days?
He points to a painting above his fireplace mantel. The painting hides a flat screen TV.
“I don’t watch it really at all,” he said. “The rewards are less with so many cooking shows and the competition is extreme.
“I used to like it when it was just Julia (Child) and me.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
Book reading
Graham Kerr will read from his new book, “Flash of Silver,” sign copies of the paperback and take questions at 3 p.m. Jan. 9 at University Book Store, Mill Creek Town Center, 15311 Main St., Mill Creek. The books also can be purchased ($18.95) online at www.grahamkerr.com
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
