1975 BYU Hall of Fame
Paul "Simba" Thorn was born in 1905, in Springville, Utah. He married Madge Johnson in 1925, and they are the parents of three sons and one daughter. He received his B.S. degree in physical education from Brigham Young University in 1931.
During his college athletic career he was involved in basketball and track and was named all-conference in football. He served as captain of the football team in 1929 and as president of his senior class in 1931.
After graduation, he spent three years as athletic director and coach at Springville High School. Later he joined his father in the general contracting business and headed the contractors committee for the construction of Cougar Stadium.
Active in civic affairs, Paul was a member of the Springville School Board, the Springville Art Gallery and the Springville Art Board. He has been active in the Provo Chamber of Commerce and is past president of the Associated General Contractors Association, Utah Chapter, and the Utah Manufacturers Association. He also served as a Utah County Commissioner from 1968-74.