This Old House star Roger Cook has died aged 70.
Cook – known to many as the landscaping expert on the show from 1982-2020 – passed on August 21 from a lengthy illness, a statement on the PBS show’s website confirmed.
He is survived by son Jason, daughter Molly, brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna, and three grandsons—Peter, Noah, and James.
His beloved wife, Kathleen died from cancer in 2010.
Cook began work on This Old House in 1982 when he worked as the landscape foreman for the Frost and Higgins Company.
This Old House star Roger Cook has died aged 70
He joined the show full time in 1988 and was a part of the team for Ask This Old House when it debuted in 2002.
He was known for saying on projects: ‘There comes a time on every job where we stop talking and we start working. You ready?’
When Cook first revealed 2018 that he was considering stepping down because of his health, 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.’
When not working or gardening, Roger enjoyed saltwater fishing and spending time on Cape Cod.
TOH executive producer Chris Wolfe said: ‘I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.’
Fred Pendleton, Roger’s longtime friend and now co-owner of K&R Landscape with colleague Tom Pica said: ‘Roger’s specialty and passion was plants, and no one was more knowledgeable.
‘You could ask Roger any question about any plant—which ones would survive shade, how to treat diseases, which perennials or annuals to choose, the best woody plants or deciduous trees for a certain backyard, even the Latin names for everything—and he knew it.’
Cook – known to many as the landscaping expert on the show from 1982-2020 – passed on August 21 from a lengthy illness, a statement on the PBS show’s website confirmed
Cook stayed on This Old House until 2020 due to health issues.
He was known for saying on projects: ‘There comes a time on every job where we stop talking and we start working. You ready?’
Hi son Jason Cook paid tribute in a statement: ‘Dad spent his entire life helping people—friends, family, and customers’
Pica added: ‘Everything I know I learned from Roger. He was one of the greatest people you want to know. He worked hard, and we often worked 10 hours a day, six days a week.
‘He absolutely believed that if you were going to do something, you should do it properly, whatever it took.’
Cook stayed on This Old House until 2020 due to health issues.
Hi son Jason Cook paid tribute in a statement: ‘Dad spent his entire life helping people—friends, family, and customers. One of the biggest regrets with his illness was that he could no longer help people in the same way. With that in mind Dad, asked us to set up a family foundation so that we can continue his legacy as a helper going forward.
‘Dad identified several areas he was passionate about that we intend to focus the foundation on—most importantly wildlife and land conservation, medical research, childhood education, and military veterans.
‘Dad will be contributing a meaningful portion of his estate to the foundation and if you are willing to join him, the entire Cook family would be grateful for honoring his legacy.’