Recently I had a unique opportunity to meet and briefly visit with one of Utah’s treasures —Mr. and Mrs. basketball Frank and Barbara Layden. I was getting my glasses adjusted at the Moran Eye Center when Frank and Barbara entered the showroom. I immediately introduced myself and Frank and I had a pleasant conversation. I told him a family story about our family and the early Jazz teams.
My mother and brother were driving downtown and stopped at a red light next to Frank’s car. My brother told Frank that our family were big Jazz fans. Frank, who at that time was the coach of the Jazz, invited them to come and watch the Jazz practice. My brother and mother accepted and went to the Salt Palace watched the Jazz practice and were introduced to several players. Frank then told me he was sad to lose his good friend Mac Christensen, of Mr. Mac clothing, who always got him tickets to the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas Concert but he was now out of the loop.
It was great to meet a public figure and not be disappointed. Frank and Barbara Layden are genuine, interesting and kind. I was particularly impressed how attentive Barbara was to Frank’s needs.
G. Kevin Jones
Salt Lake City