Roger Cook, the long-time landscaping expert on PBS's "This Old House," died at 70 after a prolonged battle with illness.
Cook, who had been a fixture on the Emmy-winning home renovation show for nearly four decades, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2024, according to a statement on his social media accounts.
As reported by Breitbart, Cook's death was announced by his children through a post on his X/Twitter account. The announcement highlighted Cook's determination to face his health challenges and the peace he has now found. The family also shared information about a foundation set up in Cook's memory to support causes close to his heart, including wildlife and land conservation.
Roger Cook's journey with "This Old House" began in 1982 when he first appeared on the series. He became a full-time cast member in 1988, bringing his extensive knowledge of landscaping and gardening to millions of viewers across the United States. For 38 years, Cook shared his expertise, helping homeowners and viewers alike understand the intricacies of outdoor home improvement.
Cook's impact extended beyond his television presence. He was the owner of K&R Tree and Landscape Company, which he founded with his wife Kathleen in 1982. This business venture ran parallel to his television career, allowing him to apply his knowledge in real-world scenarios while sharing it with the public through the PBS show.
His expertise was not limited to practical applications. Fred Pendleton, Cook's longtime friend and business partner, spoke to People magazine about Cook's encyclopedic knowledge of plants. Pendleton noted that Cook could answer any question about plants, from their survival in different conditions to their Latin names, showcasing the depth of his horticultural knowledge.
Throughout his career, Roger Cook demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental causes. He was an active member of the Massachusetts Arborist Association and served on the boards of New England Grows and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts. These roles allowed him to contribute to the broader landscaping and conservation communities beyond his television appearances.
Cook's obituary, as quoted in the Breitbart article, provides insight into his character:
One would think that being on television for almost four decades, receiving an Emmy Award for lifetime achievement in 2022, having over 30,000 twitter followers and a Wikipedia page would go to a person's head, but Roger always remained true to the person he was kind, passionate, and always humble. He was the everyday guy next door who was always ready to help with a yard project, or coach his son and daughter's basketball teams.
This description paints a picture of a man who, despite his fame, remained grounded and committed to his community and family.
Roger Cook's impact on the home improvement television landscape was significant, yet he maintained a modest demeanor throughout his career. His departure from "This Old House" in 2020 due to health issues marked the end of an era for the show and its loyal viewers.
The family's request for those wishing to honor Cook's memory is particularly poignant. Instead of flowers, they have asked that individuals plant a tree in their local community, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to enhancing outdoor spaces and promoting environmental stewardship.
Cook is survived by his son, Jason Roger Cook, his daughter, Molly Cook, and his three grandchildren, Peter, Noah, and James. His wife Kathleen, with whom he started his landscaping business, predeceased him in 2010.
Roger Cook's death concludes an impressive career that lasted almost forty years on one of America's favorite home improvement shows. His expertise in landscaping and his dedication to environmental causes, paired with his modest demeanor, made a lasting impact on both the television industry and the landscaping community. The foundation established in his honor and the numerous trees and gardens he inspired are testaments to his enduring legacy.
