Murland Wesley Searight

Murland Wesley Searight, 89, of Columbia Falls died of natural causes at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born Oct. 2, 1925 in Missoula. The son of George and Emily Searight, he was preceded in death by his wife Virginia in 2015.

He left high school his junior year to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was subsequently assigned as a tail gunner and radio man. He completed his high school requirements he was selected for Officer Candidate School and earned his Eusiqu's commission in 1955. He attended the University of Southern California. In 1960 he received his bachelor's degree, the first bachelor's awarded by USC in astronomy. Later he attended the Navy's postgraduate school in Monterey, California.

After retiring from the Navy, he purchased property on Red Meadows Creek and supplied pot poles to the aluminum plant until a ranged process eliminated this use.

Murland went to the University of Montana earning his J.D. (law) degree on June 11, 1988 and was sworn to practice law Oct. 5, 1988 by the Montana Supreme Court.

Survivors include his brother Larry, nieces Cathy and Linda, great nieces Jerilynn and Jessica and great-great-niece Savannah. No services are planned at this time. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Murland's family.