Meet Dennis Spude. Dennis is known to many as the ‘Doctor of Rock’  He is a Mason who does more than the normal stone work… He has created many artistic stone walls and other masonry projects in our community.  He is well known in the area as the ‘go to guy’ for Rock!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

A: We’ve lived here in Sedona for at least 50 years. Our family vacationed at the Canyon and Rainbow Trailer Park all the time during the summers. Dad decided to move us up here in the mid-60s. We went to high school in Flagstaff. It was quite different in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon – it was still primitive.

Q: Someone told me that you do masonry art, is that true?

A: Dad was a mason from Germany, and five of his boys were masons here in Sedona. My brother, Dale, owned Red Rock masonry for 30-40 years, and he retired six years ago. I had to work other jobs and still do my masonry work. I did work for John and Bob Bradshaw of Rainbow Jeep Tours as a mechanic. I also helped Emile, the owner of the Coffee Pot Restaurant, with his home.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Sedona?

A: 50 years.

Q: Is there one thing that you wished you learned earlier in life?

A: I did pretty good. I never wanted to be a boss. My brother was always the boss, and I like to be the middle person.

Q: Who is the most exciting person you’ve met here in Sedona?

A: The owner of Coffee Pot Restaurant, Emile Daher, because he’s a good businessman. Also, I looked up my older brother, Robert.

Q: How would your closest friends describe you?

A: They would say ‘You’re like a doctor of rock” or “a professor of rock.”

Q: Choosing anyone – with whom would you love to have lunch? 

A: Maybe my older brother, Roger. Or Bob Bradshaw – “Photo Guy” or “Sedona Man”- we call him. He did all the postcards. I wish I could have lunch with him because he’s such a nice guy and so down to earth.

Q: How would you like to be remembered?

A: Just being here for so long.

Q: When someone comes to visit you in Sedona, where do you take them?

A: The Coffee Pot Restaurant every time. My younger brother, Dave, and my older brother, Robert, take people up to Jerome. They tell the history of Jerome and all the ghost stories about it. Then we’ll take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. It’s just so wonderful around here. There is so much to do. West Fork Trail is one of my favorite places to hike.

Q: Where do you go if you want some soul searching or a quiet place?

A: I go down to the Creek – it’s a special place I have been going to for years.

Q: Anything you would like to ask that I haven’t ask you?

A: Nothing in particular. Perhaps a simple “Thank You” to everyone who contributed to this beautiful life I have lived here.