Roger A. Cook, a beloved landscaper and long-time cast member of “This Old House,” passed away at the age of 70 on August 21, 2024, following a prolonged illness. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook, who died on December 1, 2010, after many happy years of marriage.
Born in Biddeford, Maine, Roger was the son of Lucienne and Arthur Cook, Jr. His family eventually moved to Burlington, where he graduated from Burlington High School in 1972, excelling in both basketball and football. Roger worked in landscaping throughout his school years and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law at the University of Maine.
In 1982, Roger and Kathy founded K&R Tree and Landscape Company, which they operated for over four decades. Starting with just a jeep, trailer, and lawn mower, the couple worked together to build their business, with Kathy managing the administrative side while Roger focused on landscaping and gardening.
Roger’s involvement with “This Old House” began the same year he founded his company. Initially serving as the landscape foreman for the Frost and Higgins Company, he contributed significantly to the show’s projects. In 1988, he became a full-time cast member and garden contractor after his work on the Lexington Bed & Breakfast renovation. A certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts, Roger was active in several industry organizations, including the Massachusetts Arborist Association and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts. He also featured in “Dig Safe” commercials for many years.
Despite his television success, which included an Emmy Award for lifetime achievement in 2022, Roger remained humble and down-to-earth. He was known as the approachable neighbor who readily helped with yard projects and coached his children’s basketball teams. He enjoyed spending time at Cape Cod, fishing and relaxing on the beach, and could often be found tending to his own garden.
Roger and Kathy, who were high school classmates but only dated later, successfully raised their children in Burlington while instilling strong values and work ethics in them. He was supportive of his children’s passions and dedicated to his family. As a proud grandfather, he cherished his three grandsons.
In recent years, Roger faced health challenges but prioritized maintaining a sense of normalcy for his family. Surrounded by loved ones, he ended his days with dignity and care.
He is survived by his children, Jason Roger Cook and his wife Anna of Boston, and Molly E. Cook of Medford, along with his three grandsons, Peter, Noah, and James. He also leaves behind his brother, Greg A. Cook, and various in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visiting hours will take place on Tuesday, August 27th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that trees be planted in local communities to honor Roger’s commitment to the environment.