With tremendous sadness, This Old House bids farewell to our friend and longtime landscape contractor, Roger Cook, who died on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
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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.
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A Tribute to Roger Cook | This Old House
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35 Comments
One of the most likeable guys on the show. I'm so sorry for the people close to him. Kind regards.
Very nice man here! He and old team were and are very skilled in their trades! We need more Men like this man! Loved his trade and respected his art! RIP Sir!!!
Very sad to hear this. He was such a good person to watch on the show and his knowledge and willingness to jump in was so good to watch.
Rest In Peace and Thank You for your guidance
Great guy, sorry for your loss.
I’m so very sad. RIP Roger, we’ll miss you.
😢😢
Always loved when he was on the show, so knowledgeable, sad to hear of his passing, even knowing he had some issues in the last few years. Great memorial. TY Roger for so many wonderful years on TOH
His Bostonian pronunciation was always a source of fun. RIP Roger King of Saadh!
RIP, Mr. Roger. 😢
Roger will never be forgotten or replaced.
Sad to hear about Roger. Really enjoyed all of his hard work and great advice over the years on This Old House.
RIP
RIP. I really appreciate TOH, it's such a great show and community.
So sad to hear this news, I have personally learned so much from Roger. Sending light to his family and the TOH community.
RIP, Roger, we’ll plant some trees in your honor. 😢
Yeah, this one hits the heart. What a good looking guy.
R I P
His kindness shone through every episode. What a lovely man. He will be remembered and missed.
Very sad. A great guy and landscape expert. I have used his teachings in my yard. RIP.
I am so very sorry for your loss! Prayers for your grieving hearts! Roger taught me so much about landscaping! I will always remember his kind ways and his smile!
I have grown up with Rodger and the This Old House gang since I started watching as a kid in the mid-80's. I've learned so much and enjoyed watching the comradery on the show throughout the years. He will be missed, it is a loss for all of us. Wishing the TOH crew and his family peace as they celebrate his life. We can all celebrate Rodger by going out and planting some happiness outside to honor his legacy.
Great guy. Lots of great memories over the years
He was the best. Very sad to hear of his passing.
Thank you for the lessons, farewell.
Died suddenly
Watched him a lot. Learned from him. I didn’t realize that he passed. I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be missed. RIP Roger Cook.
Roger was a gem. What you saw is what you got!
The TOH hosts and crew are and always have been a 1,000 👍👍👍’s up!! They are the “Cat’s Pajamas”. Thank You 💙💙
Rest in peace.
I grew up watching This Old House with my dad on the weekends. Watching it now as an adult, living on my own for the first time and it honestly feels like I'm a kid again lounging on the couch with my dad next to me. RIP Roger.
The smiles from his colleagues say it all.
Gone much to young!! I’m 66 and my husband is 68….Roger was the same age my husband is now…..😢
Does anyone know what year that Hawaii picture is from at the end? Just curious, as I used to live out there.
It probably would be best to wait a while to let this shock and pain pass some, but it would be great to have a "best of Roger" episode at least on YouTube to remember his best moments on the show. I miss watching his episodes so much.
This sucks, I learned a lot from Roger, RIP big guy….