Roger Cook, the beloved garden and landscape contractor who was part of PBS’ This Old House for almost 40 years, has died. He was 70.

According to his Legacy.com obituary, Cook passed away following an extended illness on Wednesday, August 21. The obit described him as “the loving husband of the late Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook, with whom he had shared many wonderful years of marriage prior to her passing on December 1, 2010.”

Born in 1954 in Biddeford, Maine, Cook received a Bachelor of Science in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine in 1977 and went on to work as a certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts. In 1982, he and his wife founded the K & R Tree and Landscape Company.

He made his first appearance on This Old House in 1982 in the show’s second season. Cook regularly appeared as a guest on the iconic home improvement program before being promoted to cast member/garden and landscape contractor in 1988. Cook worked on the show up until 2020 when he stepped away due to health issues.

At the time of his exit, Cook said in a statement (per TVLine), “I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for landscaping. And my life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I’ve formed over the years. I truly appreciate our fans’ dedication and the concern for my well-being. Rest assured that I am in good hands, and please know that I am grateful for all of your support.”

The official This Old House website released a statement on Cook’s passing, writing, “Roger was our much-loved colleague, treasured by the entire This Old House community for his soft-spoken but no-nonsense approach to every aspect of landscape contracting. He was always there with the answers we needed.”

This Old House executive producer Chris Wolfe added, “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

His colleagues also shared condolences, with This Old House master carpenter Norm Abram saying, “Roger was very kind, built up a good company, and knew so much about everything in the yard from lawns to stone walls. It was clear how knowledgeable he was and that he was a true arborist.”

“Roger was a true gentle giant, competent and quiet and always ready to help any and all. We miss our brother,” added the show’s plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.

Meanwhile, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor wrote, “We lost a brother today. A big-hearted, larger-than-life brother who was as kind as he was generous. I’ll miss his smile and his friendship terribly.”

Roger Cook's Legacy on This Old House

Roger Cook was a staple on This Old House for almost 40 years. He quickly became a beloved member of the show's cast, known for his expertise in gardening and landscaping. He was always willing to share his knowledge with viewers, and his down-to-earth demeanor made him relatable to people of all backgrounds. Cook’s contributions extended beyond the show. He served on the editorial board of This Old House magazine and contributed to Complete Landscaping, which was published in 2004.

A Life Dedicated to Landscaping

Cook's passion for landscaping began in his youth. He began working with local landscapers and tree firms while he was still in college, and he continued to hone his skills after graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in wildlife management and conservation law. In 1982, Cook and his wife Kathleen founded K&R Landscape. The business, under different ownership, remains in operation.

Remembering Roger Cook

Cook's friends and colleagues remember him as a kind and generous person who was always willing to help others. He was a true expert in his field, but he never let his knowledge go to his head. He was always down to earth and approachable, and he treated everyone with respect. Cook was a true icon in the world of landscaping, and he will be deeply missed by his fans, friends, and family.

A Lasting Impact

Roger Cook’s legacy will live on through the landscapes he created and the knowledge he shared with viewers. He touched the lives of countless people through his work on This Old House, and he will always be remembered for his passion, expertise, and kind heart.