Roger Cook Death – Roger Cook, the revered landscape contractor known for his transformative work on the PBS home improvement series “This Old House,” has passed away at the age of 70.
Cook, who had been a vital part of the show for over 40 years, died on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.
Cook’s journey with “This Old House” began in 1982, during its early years with WGBH-TV in Boston. His official tenure started in 1988 when he took on the role of landscape contractor for a notable renovation project at a bed and breakfast in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Throughout his career, Cook became synonymous with expert landscaping, admired for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring outdoor spaces to life.
The “This Old House” team fondly remembers Cook for his approachable yet no-nonsense demeanor. According to a tribute on the show’s website, “Roger was our much-loved colleague, treasured by the entire ‘This Old House’ community.
He was always there with the answers we needed.” His ability to solve complex landscaping challenges with clarity and precision earned him a special place in the hearts of both his colleagues and viewers.
In 2018, Cook announced his departure from his full-time role on the show due to health issues that made it increasingly difficult for him to perform on television. Despite his reduced visibility on the program, his influence continued to resonate.
“Roger’s legacy will endure through the landscapes he shaped and the wealth of knowledge he imparted,” said Chris Wolfe, the executive producer of “This Old House.” 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.”
Born and raised in Woburn and Burlington, Massachusetts, Cook pursued a degree in wildlife management and conservation management from the University of Maine. His passion for the environment led him to co-found K&R Landscape in Woburn with his wife, Kathy, in 1982. The couple’s shared commitment to enhancing and preserving natural spaces marked the beginning of a successful venture that would eventually make Cook a household name in landscaping.
The Cook family is holding visiting hours 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 honor his legacy by planting a tree in their local community, reflecting his lifelong dedication to environmental conservation. Cook’s contributions to both the field of landscaping and the broader community have left an indelible mark, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his expertise.