Roger Cook

Biography

Roger Cook was the landscape contractor on the Emmy Award-winning television series This Old House and Ask This Old House for more than 35 years, starting in 1982 until his retirement in 2020 due to health issues. Born in 1954 and raised in Burlington, Massachusetts, Roger earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine in 1977. He and his wife Kathleen founded K&R Landscape in 1982, a company specializing in both plants and hardscaping elements like stone walls and patios. Roger was a certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts and an active member and leader in several professional landscaping organizations, including the Massachusetts Arborist Association and New England Grows. Known for his hands-on approach and practical advice, he became a beloved figure on This Old House, where he shared his knowledge and passion for landscaping with viewers nationwide. Roger was highly respected for mentoring young professionals in the trade and emphasizing sustainability. He passed away in August 2024 after battling a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to landscaping education and craftsmanship. He is survived by his son, daughter, brother, daughter-in-law, and three grandsons, and was predeceased by his wife Kathleen who died in 2010.