Roger Cook, Longtime “This Old House” Landscaper, Dies at 70

Roger Cook, the well-known landscape expert from the PBS show This Old House, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

He was 70 years old and had been dealing with health problems for a long time. The show’s producers confirmed his death and honored his lasting impact on landscaping.

He was a familiar and loved face on “This Old House,” where he shared his knowledge with viewers for more than 40 years. He first appeared on the show in 1982 and became a full-time member in 1988. His calm and straightforward way of teaching people how to improve their outdoor spaces made him popular with the audience.

He was born in Biddeford, Maine, and grew up in Burlington, Massachusetts. He loved nature from a young age, so he studied wildlife management and conservation law at the University of Maine, graduating in 1977.

In 1982, he started K&R Tree and Landscaping Company with his wife, Kathy. They worked hard to grow their business, with Roger handling the outdoor work and Kathy managing the office until she passed away in 2010.

Even though Roger Cook became famous through his work on “This Old House,” he always stayed humble. His coworkers and viewers liked him because he was friendly and made difficult landscaping projects easy to understand. In 2022, he received an Emmy Award for his lifetime achievements.

In 2018, he announced that he was stepping back from the show because of his health issues. He officially retired in 2020, but his influence continued to be felt by fans and professionals in the landscaping field.

Roger Cook is survived by his two children, Jason and Molly, and his three grandsons, Peter, Noah, and James. He was also a cherished brother, uncle, and friend. His family has asked that instead of sending flowers, people plant a tree in their communities to honor his love for the environment.

Visitation for Roger Cook will be held on August 27, 2024, at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington, Massachusetts. The family has chosen to have a private service afterward. Roger Cook’s passing is a great loss.