Roger cook the cherished landscape contractor from PBS's This Old House has passed away at the age of 70 after a prolonged battle with illness cook who was a key figure on the show for over 40 years died on Wednesday the show announced cook began his journey with This Old House in 982 and became a full-time landscape contractor in 1988 contributing to countless projects and becoming a fan favorite with his practical softspoken advice Roger was a much loved colleague treasured by the entire this old house Community for its non-nonsense approach the show stated in a tribute in 2018 cook announced his departure from a full-time role due to health issues that made onscreen work challenging despite stepping back his influence remained strong with colleagues and viewers like cherishing the wisdom he imparted over the decades Roger's lessons will remembered by millions said Chris wolf executive producer of the show [Music]