Paul H. (“Jaws”) Knight was a cattleman from his birth in 1919 until his death in 2009. He lived his entire 90 years in Plain City, Utah.
Paul was a World War II Veteran, serving in the South Pacific for 4 years. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the direction of the President of the United States by the Commanding General of the 41st Infantry Division for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Mindanao, Philippine Islands on March 15, 1945.
Paul married June Maw on June 26, 1946. Together they raised three children, Curt Knight, Gwen Knight Moitzfield, and Russ Knight. They have four grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren.
As a youth Paul drove a team of horses to West Warren with his father to work in the fields on the family farm. He ran his own dairy herd from 1946 until 1976. He then owned and operated a beef cow/calf herd from 1976 until 2008.
Paul was very giving and enjoyed helping the youth. He provided the use of his calves to the students of Plain City Elementary to fit and show at the annual Plain City Dairy Days.
In 1954 he joined the Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association and remained an active member and participant for over 25 years. During the 1960s, Paul organized many jackpot roping events with friends and associates held at his arena. He also provided team roping steers for many local rodeos throughout the area.
From the 1960’s to the 1980’s Paul won numerous roping, team roping and Quarter Horse Association performance buckles and awards throughout the state. He was a consistent competitor and enjoyed working with his horses and associating with his rodeo friends.
Paul was selected as the Grand Marshall of the Plain City 4th of July Parade in 2004 and was the first to be selected as Weber County Honoree at the Ogden Pioneer Days National Day of the American Cowboy – 2006.