Roger Cook, landscaping expert on ‘This Old House’, dead at 70

Roger Cook, best known for giving his expert garden and landscaping advice on PBS’ This Old House, has died following a lengthy illness. He was 70.

His death was announced on This Old House’s social media.

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“With tremendous sadness and a lot of love, we announce the passing of our friend and longtime landscape contractor, Roger Cook,” the statement read. “Roger was our much-loved colleague, treasured by the entire This Old House community. His lasting legacy is the beautiful landscapes he created, the expert knowledge he readily shared, and the many, many friends and family members who miss him dearly.”

“Our thoughts are with all who loved him and learned from him.”

Several years after graduating from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in wildlife management and conservation law in 1977, Cook and his wife Kathleen founded K&R Landscape, which continues to run to this day.

In 1982, Cook appeared for the first time on This Old House‘s second season. In 1988, he signed on as the series’ full-time landscape contractor, and in 2002 he became a fixture on the brand new series, Ask This Old House.

In 2018 he considered leaving the series due to “several health issues that have made performing on television more difficult.”

At the time he wrote: “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.”

He stayed with This Old House until he retired in 2020 due to health issues.

Cook was a beloved member of the franchise, sharing solution after solution to viewers’ endless problems.

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

Although his colleagues hadn’t worked with him for some years, they all recalled their time together and the impact Cook had on all those around him.

The series’ master carpenter, Norm Abram, said, “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.”

Richard Trethewey, the show’s plumbing and heating expert, called Cook a “gentle giant” who was always ready to help.

“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,” This Old House’s host Kevin O’Connor said.

Thank you for all you have done, Roger. You will be deeply missed.

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