Hitzelberger v. Samedan Oil Corp.

OPINION

DAVIS, Chief Justice.

This case concerns the construction of an oil and gas lease and a unit agreement. Robert Hitzelberger sued Samedan Oil Corp., et al. (collectively “Samedan”) for a declaration that his lease terminated due to the late payment of royalties and for other relief. After a bench trial based entirely upon submitted documents, the trial court found in Samedan’s favor and declared the lease to be in effect. From this decision Hitzelberger now appeals. Because the trial court erred as a matter of law in finding that Hitzelber-ger’s lease did not terminate, we reverse and…