R. Searle McGrath ’46

Searle died of heart failure Feb. 27, 2007, in Midland, Texas, where he had lived many years.

He lost his left eye in a childhood accident, but in spite of that, became an officer in the Army. After graduation from Princeton in 1948, he began his long, varied, and successful career in the oil business. This included a long-term business partnership with Pom Smith ’46.

Searle was born in Connecticut, prepared at Choate, was in Cottage Club, graduated second in his class in Spanish, and was a lifelong supporter of all things Tiger. One of his favorite eyepatches — black with an orange stripe — was interred with his ashes. He was much revered by friends and relatives alike and was a true gentleman.

Searle had many family connections with Princeton. His father and father-in-law were both ’17. Arthur Sullivan ’13 was an uncle, Art Sullivan ’46 is a cousin, John Burchenal ’45 is a brother-in-law, Peggy Burchenal ’74 is a niece, and Henry Martin ’48 is an in-law.

Searle’s wife of 42 years, the former Beatrice Howard Burchenal, predeceased him. He is survived by his sons, Douglas ’80 and Alexander ’84; a daughter, Mary Abrams; and three grandchildren. To them all, the class extends sincere sympathy.