A Tribute to Roger Cook | This Old House

With tremendous sadness, This Old House bids farewell to our friend and longtime landscape contractor, Roger Cook, who died on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Roger’s time with This Old House spanned nearly 40 years, from his first involvement in 1982—the show’s second season—to his decision to step down in 2020 because of health issues. Roger was our much-loved colleague, treasured by the entire This Old House community for his soft-spoken but no-nonsense approach to every aspect of landscape contracting. He was always there with the answers we needed.

“I remember every lesson from Roger,” says TOH executive producer Chris Wolfe, whose own garden bears many examples of Roger’s advice. “More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

Roger’s love of the outdoors was a constant throughout his life. Born in 1954, he grew up in Burlington, MA, and considered a career in forestry while also working during college with local landscape and tree firms. In 1977, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine.

About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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A Tribute to Roger Cook | This Old House

[robl]

Sad days in the TOH community. RIP Roger

[crmcbrideww]

I think the best way you can honor Roger is take everything he taught us and teach it to somebody else.

[johna]

Years ago Roger taught me "Plant it high, and it won't die. Plant it low, and it won't grow". Thanks, pal.

[stevecrocker]

An ICON of this show. His accent was genuine, just like his love for his profession.

[warderjack]

Roger was fantastic, he will be missed 😢😢😢

[sloth]

My condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting him at his own home when I was there for a service call. In his office I saw all the TOH stuff and said it is you! He laughed and was very nice and talkative. Even gave me a TOH T-shirt on the way out.

[hscott]

A generation of DIY’ers had the absolute pleasure of being shown how it’s done by this guy. ❤

[QueenOfKings]

Roger was the first person who got me in my garden and had me redesign my yard. Thank you sir for everything including your accent. You will be missed

[stroker-veru]

A real gentle giant, loved watching Roger saturday mornings.RIP Roger.

[AlexanderDreams]

Never met this man in my life. Yet he feels like that uncle that taught me so much. Thanks Rodger for all the help and motivation to do the small projects around my house. You’re truly going to be missed.

[SimplexVeritas]

I bought a 1960s fixer upper 4 years ago. I leave TOH network playing on my TV all day long. Watching Roger has helped me transform my yard from and overgrown disaster into a pristine lawn and garden. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and spreading joy in the world, Roger.

[BradM]

I've watched TOH for decades, and I thank Roger and the rest of the crew for their years of experience, showing us how to complete our own jobs. That knowledge will be passed on for decades to come. I'm saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.

[Steven_Duering]

Roger was the reason I was the best lawn and garden expert when I worked at a hardware store.

[andybobsadventures]

RIP Roger. I'm 44 years old, there's not a time i can't remember when this show wasn't on air. My Dad passed a few years ago, I can't watch this show without thinking of him. I still watch regularly. I want to say thanks to all of the cast and crew of TOH for bringing us together, even when I was a teenager and didn't want to hangout with my Dad.

[uncleval]

The first time I saw this GIANT OAK of a man taking the time to tenderly plant some ground cover, I knew he was something special and couldn't wait to see him on another episode.. He was the reason I started spending time with my own father in the garden (quality time that I now cherish). Both have now passed and are greatly missed. RIP Roger, you will always be one of The Greats. ❤

[sybellejohnson]

I'm a better Gardner because of Roger Cook. My condolences to the families and This Old House community

[brianrussell]

RIP Roger thanks for your years of gardening and landscaping advise. Quite the 40 year run! Peace and light to Roger’s family, friends and millions of fans over 4 decades.

[EvilTheOne]

'Ask This Old House' is my favorite program...Roger, we will miss you dearly! Thank you for all the years of great advice!

[durban]

Water will never sound the same without Roger's accent. RIP thank you for amazing work.

[DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Roger tending to that big garden in the sky, he is missed but never forgotten.