"The worst I've seen," he concurs, but only after being asked the question. He tends not to dwell on the negative. It's disruptive to the nerves. Nor does he attempt to influence policy by joining any of the downtown business alliances or associations.

"I stay out politics," he says, "and I don't go to any meetings."

He just goes to work.

"I enjoy people," he says. "If I didn't, it would be a burden."

His sales strategy with customers is simple: "I try not to make them cross," he says, winking. "I tell them they can get a better deal here and most of them believe it."

He has no intention of ever retiring — doesn't even think about it.

"As long as my health holds ..." he says, letting the sentence trail off.

The subject of longevity reminds him of a story about his famous father, David O. McKay, who was president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 until his death in 1970.

"I remember visiting my father in the hospital when he was 92," Bob says. "As it happened, our youngest son had just been born in the same hospital. I went to my father's room to tell him he had another grandson, and he said he was glad he got the news 'before I go.' Then as I sat on his bed, he added, 'I was just being facetious about going. I'll be here till I'm 96. I've got that much to do.' "

President McKay lived until he was 96.

"I just shook my head," Bob says. "I didn't think he had four years left.

"I think longevity is in my genes," he says as he and Frances prepare for their next decade together in the jewelry business. "I can't complain. The good Lord has been good to me — and my wife's good lunches."

Lee Benson's column runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com.