Roger Cook, the popular horticulturist and landscaper who was part of PBS. This old house for almost 40 years, has died. He was 70.

After his Legacy.com According to the obituary, Cook died on Wednesday, August 21, after a long illness. The obituary described him as “the loving husband of the late Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook, with whom he shared many wonderful years of marriage before her death on December 1, 2010.”

Cook was born in Biddeford, Maine, in 1954. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine in 1977 and then worked as a certified landscaper in Massachusetts. In 1982, he and his wife founded K & R Tree and Landscape Company.

He made his first appearance on This old house in 1982 during the show’s second season. Cook appeared regularly as a guest on the iconic home improvement show before being promoted to cast member/gardener and landscaper in 1988. Cook worked on the show until 2020, when he retired due to health reasons.

At the time of his departure, Cook said in a statement (via TVLine), “I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for landscaping. And my life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I have made over the years. I greatly appreciate our fans’ dedication and concern for my well-being. Rest assured that I am in good hands and please know that I am grateful for all of your support.”

The official This old house Website released a statement on Cook’s death, writing: “Roger was our beloved colleague, valued by the entire This old house Community for his gentle but no-nonsense approach to all aspects of landscaping. He always had the answers we needed.”

This old house Executive producer Chris Wolfe added: “I remember every lesson Roger taught. And more importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

His colleagues also expressed their condolences. This old house Master carpenter Norm Abram said, “Roger was very nice, built a good business and knew so much about everything in the garden, from lawns to stone walls. It was clear how knowledgeable he was and that he was a real arborist.”

“Roger was a real gentle giant, competent and calm and always ready to help anyone. We miss our brother,” added the show’s plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.

In the meantime, This old house Presenter Kevin O’Connor wrote: “We lost a brother today. A big-hearted, larger-than-life brother who was as kind as he was generous. I will miss his smile and his friendship terribly.”