Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Blessed with a 40-year career in dentistry, a fulfilling 30-year marriage to Marie, Denny Rushton considers himself a fortunate man. His life-long loves also include flying, horsemanship, boating, golf and community service.

From his days as a youngster working on his father’s horse farm on the outskirts of Indianapolis, Rushton learned the value of hard work.

Dr. Denny Rushton rides his horse Hooker Sky during this year’s Whiskey Flat Days parade in Kernville.

Fresh out of dental school, Rushton didn’t have a nickel to his name. Driving past a small airport he thought, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to fly. I wonder what’s involved.” He walked in the office and moments later he was in the air getting his first lesson. “I was hooked from that very day,” Rushton said. Since then, he went on to get his instrument, commercial and seaplane licenses.

Rushton then moved west. “I moved out to California and bought an existing practice in Chatsworth and then another one in Lynwood,” Rushton said. He eventually tired of the long hours, finding there was little time for golf or flying. He eventually scaled back and sold the second practice.

About that time, Rushton, a single parent raising his son Dean, decided to buy horse property in Chatsworth. On weekends, he lead rides in the hills above his ranch. One day an attractive blond woman joined the riders on the trail. As they say, “One thing led to another” and a friendship blossomed. Marie eventually went to work for Rushton as his receptionist, a position which she still holds to this day.

The couple married a couple of years later and when their children moved out to attend college, they decided it was time to make a move. The Kern River Valley had great appeal for the Rushtons. There was a dental practice for sale and they were drawn to the slower pace of life. They took to small town life quickly and joined several community service organizations in which they continue to remain active.

Marie is without doubt Rushton’s biggest fan, “Denny has so many accomplishments,” she said. “But he’s never been one to blow his own horn.” She is particularly proud of his involvement with the Young Eagles flight program in which he and Gene Nelson, manager of the Kern Valley Airport, inspired many local youngsters to follow their aviation dreams. Rushton keeps busy with the Kern Valley Shriners Club and the Silver Mounted Patrol. Rushton routinely rides the Whiskey Flat Parade on his beloved Palomino “Hooker Sky.”

Three years ago Rushton thought he’d give retirement a go, but after just 10 months, Rushton was ready to put on the white coat again. “I still really enjoy dentistry and taking care of my patients,” he said. “I’m probably not the type to retire, and don’t know that I ever will.”

Today, the couple spend their spare time on their 25-acre ranch in Walker Basin where they keep their horses and foals. As to what the future holds for Dr. Denny Rushton, he can’t say for sure. But it’s a safe bet that in addition to spending time with his six grandsons, it will include a little time for flying, and golf, and a whole lot for riding Hooker Sky.