Searle was born in Wales, and came to Belize when he was 15 and was noted as a pioneer in the tourism and aviation industries. He founded Belize Global Travel Services and Belize Aero Dispatch. He was also a leading Rotarian and chaired various statutory boards.

His son John Searle told us that his father was in Belize a few weeks ago - and fell ill - which is when he was rushed to Texas for care. He said his father was, quote, "Born in wales but made in Belize."