Roger Cook, Beloved Landscape Expert from ‘This Old House, Dies at 70

Renowned PBS Landscape Contractor Passes After Long Illness

Roger Cook, the esteemed landscape contractor featured on PBS’s long-running series This Old House, has died at the age of 70 following a prolonged illness. His passing was confirmed by the show’s official website on August 21.

A Legacy of Expertise and Passion

Cook’s association with This Old House began in 1982, and he became a full-time landscape contractor for the show in 1988. His expertise was a cornerstone of the series, where he was celebrated for his deep knowledge and practical solutions in landscaping. Cook continued to be a vital part of the show’s spin-off, Ask This Old House, which debuted in 2002, until his retirement in 2020 due to health complications.

Chris Wolfe, executive producer of This Old House, expressed deep appreciation for Cook’s contributions: “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

From Local Roots to National Recognition

Born in 1954 in Burlington, Massachusetts, Cook pursued a degree in wildlife management and conservation law at the University of Maine. He and his wife, Kathleen, founded K&R Landscape in 1982. The business, now under new ownership, continues to operate successfully.

Fred Pendleton, a longtime friend and current co-owner of K&R Landscape, praised Cook’s unmatched expertise: “Roger’s specialty and passion was plants, and no one was more knowledgeable.”

Health Struggles and Retirement

Cook’s health issues first surfaced in 2018, leading him to consider stepping down from his role on the show. He acknowledged the support from fans and colleagues and expressed gratitude for the professional relationships he had formed over the years.

Survived by Family and Remembered with Honor

Cook’s wife Kathleen passed away from cancer in 2010. He is survived by his son Jason, daughter Molly, brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna, and grandsons Peter, Noah, and James.

Visiting hours will be held on August 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, Cook’s obituary requests that mourners plant a tree in their local community to honor his lifelong commitment to environmental efforts.