Roger Cook, known to viewers from the long-running PBS series This old house as a landscape gardener with a solution for every problem and an answer to every question, died on August 21 after a long illness. He was 70 years old.

His death was announced on This old houseOfficial website.

“I remember every lesson from Roger,” said This old house Executive producer Chris Wolfe said in a statement: “More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”

Cook’s involvement with the popular home improvement series spanned nearly 40 years. He first appeared in the show’s second season in 1982 and was hired full-time as a landscaper for season 10 in 1988. As Ask This Old House Cook has been part of the team since his debut in 2002, providing landscape advice directly to homeowners.

Cook remained loyal to the franchise until health problems forced him to retire in 2020.

“Roger was our beloved colleague, appreciated by the entire This old house community for his gentle but no-nonsense approach to all aspects of landscaping,” reads the tribute on the show’s website. “He always had the answers we needed.”

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Cook was born in 1954 and grew up in Burlington, Massachusetts. He was still studying at the University of Maine when he began working for local landscape and tree service companies.

After graduating in wildlife management and conservation law, he founded K&R Landscape with his wife Kathleen in 1982. The company continues to exist despite a change in ownership.

“Roger’s specialty and passion was plants, and no one had more knowledge,” said Fred Pendleton, Roger’s longtime friend and now co-owner of K&R Landscape with colleague Tom Pica. “You could ask Roger any question about any plant – which ones survive in the shade, how to treat diseases, which perennials or annuals to choose, which woody or deciduous trees are best for a particular garden, even the Latin names for everything – and he knew it.”

Cook’s health issues predated his exit from the show, first coming to light in 2018. At the time, he announced that he was considering retirement. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for landscaping,” he said at the time. “And my life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I have made over the years. I greatly appreciate the commitment of our fans and their concern for my well-being. Rest assured that I am in good hands and rest assured that I am grateful for all of your support.”

Cook, who lost his wife Kathleen to cancer in 2010, leaves behind his son Jason, daughter Molly, brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna and grandchildren Peter, Noah and James.