Roger Cook, the longtime landscape contractor on the PBS series “This Old House,” passed away on August 21, 2024 at the age of 70 after battling a lengthy illness. Cook spent nearly four decades on the show, where his expertise in landscaping and horticulture made him a beloved figure in home improvement television.
Born in 1954 in Burlington, Massachusetts, Cook earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine in 1977. His passion for the environment led him to co-found K&R Tree and Landscape Company in 1982 with his wife, Kathleen. The business grew into a full-service landscaping firm.
Cook first appeared on “This Old House” in 1982 as a landscape foreman for the Frost and Higgins Company. His extensive knowledge of plants and landscaping quickly made him a valuable asset to the program. By 1988, Cook had been promoted to the show’s full-time landscape contractor. He remained with “This Old House” until 2020, when health issues prompted his retirement. Jenn Nawada replaced him on the show.
In 2002, Cook also became a regular on “Ask This Old House,” the spinoff series that brought expert advice directly to homeowners. His calm demeanor and wealth of experience endeared him to millions of viewers, many of whom sought his advice on everything from tree planting to garden design.
In 2018, Cook began reducing his role on “This Old House” due to health issues, acknowledging the joy he found in sharing his landscaping expertise and the meaningful relationships he built over the years. By 2020, his health concerns led him to officially step down from the show, marking the end of nearly four decades of contributions to home improvement television.
Cook’s personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy. He and his wife Kathleen raised two children, Jason and Molly, before Kathleen’s death from cancer in 2010. In addition to his children, Cook is survived by his brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna, and three grandsons: Peter, Noah, and James.
After his passing, Jason Cook organized a GoFundMe page with proceeds being used for the establishment of the Cook Family Giving Fund to continue Roger’s legacy of helping others. The foundation focuses on wildlife and land conservation, medical research, childhood education, and support for military veterans. “Dad will be contributing a meaningful portion of his estate to the foundation,” Jason said. “If you are willing to join him, the entire Cook family would be grateful for honoring his legacy.” The campaign has generated over $27,000.
Fred Pendleton, Cook’s longtime friend and business partner, fondly recalled learning everything he knew from Roger, describing him as one of the best people anyone could know. Pendleton emphasized Cook’s strong belief in doing things the right way, no matter the task.
Cook’s colleagues at “This Old House” also expressed their admiration, with executive producer Chris Wolfe noting the lasting impact of Roger’s teachings on millions of people. Wolfe emphasized that every lesson Roger imparted had made a profound difference in countless lives.
As the family carries on his legacy through the Cook Family Giving Fund, Roger Cook will be remembered as both a master of his craft and a man who made a lasting impact on the lives of others.
