For this Ventura couple, life's most treasured moments happen at The Pierpont Inn

The story of G.E. "Pinky" and Helen Pinkston has spanned more than 90 years. Weaving through their love story are times shared around the world and right here at home at Ventura's own Pierpont Inn, where both fell in love in their 80s and continue to do so today as sweethearts.

Pinky Pinkston retired in the late 1960's from the United States Air Force after 30 years of service as a highly-decorated fighter pilot and General, settling in the Keys area of Ventura with his wife and children. Helen and her husband and family had also settled in Ventura and were friends with Pinky and his wife.

Pinky was living in San Antonio when his wife passed as did Helen's husband. Wanting to return to Ventura for a visit, Pinky telephoned Helen and asked where he should stay during his visit. Without hesitation, she suggested The Pierpont Inn.

The two were reunited and within one week of Pinky's return to California they announced their engagement at a party to family and friends at The Pierpont Inn!

"Everyone thought I was younger than Pinky when we married," Helen smiles, "but he's the younger man at age 94!" says Helen at 95 years young. While Pinky and Helen both have lived adventurous lives traveling the world together, Helen says they always come home to The Pierpont Inn. "It's our cathedral! It's like coming home to family and we feel special when we go there," she says.

The Pinkston's are drawn time after time to the natural beauty surrounding the inn and the Pacific Ocean it overlooks. "We love the hospitality, scenery, ocean views and sunsets," Helen says. "A night out at there is equal to or better than any trip to Hawaii, where we have traveled several times..."

Helen jokes "I put imaginary tape around my kitchen, I don't like to cook anymore, and so The Pierpont Inn has become our main dining room. It is so wonderful to see all the lovely faces when we visit. Everyone is so cordial; they really make you feel special. People like Jeannie and Patty treat us like family."

"Pinky loves the clam chowder and I adore the fresh fruit platter. He (Pinky) will usually order filet mignon and always orders a White Russian. I have a Manhattan with an extra glass of ice. We toast each other and our lives as the sun is setting."

The Pierpont Inn is a big part of the Pinkston family legacy as well. It is where they rejoice for birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations. "We have so many memories of family gatherings that have taken place over the years," Helen says, "including our own engagement party in the Anacapa Room."

In life, there are magical moments worth savoring. For Pinky and Helen Pinkston, time is suspended at The Pierpont Inn, where nearly each evening they share dinner at sunset and add to a lifetime of memories shared with family and friends.