After his parent’s deaths, Rusty lived with an aunt and uncle. It’s unclear exactly when his last name became Blakey.

An article in the January 1979 issue of Canadian Aviation titled “Bush Pilot Extraordinaire” tells of Rusty’s remarkable career. From another article written around 1984:

“People in Sudbury chuckle when they see Rusty Blakey riding to work on his bicycle. He doesn’t like driving a car or even riding in one if he can avoid it. A rather small, thin, elderly man, he pedals along to his office looking very much like a mild-mannered clerk, or perhaps a bookkeeper.

The irony is that Rusty is on his way to Ramsay Airways. He’s their top bush pilot. Not only that, he’s thought to be the most experienced bush pilot in the world! He’s logged over 33,000 hours in the 46 years he’s been flying planes into the northern wilderness.... He’s one of the pioneers of the business and he knows Northern Ontario like the back of his hand.

He began his career in 1937 with Austin Airways as a general helper. The next year he became a pilot and has been ferrying freight and passengers to Indian reserves, mining settlements, and isolated outposts ever since.

To the sick, lost or injured in a cruel country that shows no pity, Rusty’s mercy missions have often made the difference between life and death. But he’s modest and unassuming. He plays down his exploits and attributes the fact he’s never had a serious accident to ‘common sense but mostly luck.’ ...

Rusty’s age is a well-kept secret, but his friends say he must be in his mid-seventies. He’ll likely hit the half-century mark as a bush pilot!