Roger Cook, the esteemed landscaper and cherished personality of This Old House, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, at the age of 70. His death marks the end of an era for a man who spent nearly four decades sharing his expertise with millions.
Chris Wolfe, executive producer of This Old House, confirmed Cook’s passing to PEOPLE and reflected on how deeply Roger influenced not only his own gardening journey but also that of countless others. “Every lesson from Roger stays with me,” Wolfe shared. “But more importantly, he touched the lives of millions through everything he taught.”
Cook’s journey with This Old House began in 1982 when he first appeared on the iconic PBS show. By 1988, he had become a full-time landscape contractor for the program and later became a regular face on Ask This Old House starting in 2002. His practical advice and down-to-earth approach made him a beloved figure among viewers nationwide.
Known for his no-nonsense style and deep understanding of landscaping, Roger had a unique ability to simplify even the most complex projects. He was famous for sayings like “There comes a time on every job where we stop talking and we start working,” which signaled it was time to get hands-on.
His memorable catchphrases became part of his legacy as they guided homeowners through various tasks—whether it was planting trees or laying brick pathways—with tips like “Plant it high; it won’t die; plant it low; it won’t grow” or “A walk is only as good as its base.”
Roger remained an integral part of This Old House until health issues prompted him to step back in 2020. Despite leaving television behind, his influence continues through all those who were inspired by his work.
Born in Burlington, Massachusetts in 1954, Roger’s love for nature shaped both his personal life and professional career from an early age.
In partnership with his wife Kathleen (Kathy), Roger founded K&R Tree and Landscaping Company in 1982—a business that started modestly but grew into a successful enterprise still operating today.
Fred Pendleton—a close friend and co-owner at K&R Landscaping—fondly remembered Roger’s encyclopedic knowledge about plants: “You could ask him anything—from what thrives best under shade conditions to identifying diseases or selecting perennials—and he’d have all answers ready.”
While continuing private contracting work alongside running K&R Tree & Landscaping Company during early years after joining This Old House, Cook quickly became indispensable due not just because expertise but also charm which endeared him audiences everywhere making permanent fixture show team itself over time too!
Beyond television fame though lay another side: active involvement within industry organizations such Massachusetts Arborist Association where served board director roles New England Grows Association Landscape Contractors Massachusetts among others throughout career span nearly four decades long before stepping down finally citing health reasons late-2018 statement addressing departure directly saying “Some viewers may noticed haven’t been myself last season… dealing several issues making performing harder… decided reduce role focus more family.”
Roger leaves behind son named after himself along daughter Molly plus three grandchildren while predeceased beloved wife Kathy whom lost earlier back year-2010 already sadly enough too!
In lieu flowers however family requested fitting tribute instead asking people plant tree local communities honor lifelong environmental efforts made possible thanks passion dedication shown towards outdoors entire lifetime lived fully committed cause always believed wholeheartedly till very end indeed!
Sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. The projects he helped with on TOH always had a very good and professional look to them.