Mr. Booth was at home one Saturday night a few years ago when his phone rang, he said.

Mr. Booth, who is 43 years old, has been the company's vice chairman and chief insurance officer since 1989.

Mr. Booth said negotiations were under way with several potential buyers for the plant.

But by chance, after more than two years, some bills eventually did come to Mr. Booth.

Mr. Booth, the son, did all right with his investments, too.

Mr. Booth, over the next three years, never turned down anything.

Mr. Booth said he expected prices would rise 15 percent this year.

Mr. Booth, a neighbor of the victims, knew they could identify him.

Mr. Booth says that such figures actually illustrate the company's progress.

Mr. Booth was his convention's president in the early 1970's.