Harry Cross, 88; Law Professor, Attorney Headed NCAA, Pac-10

Harry M. Cross, 88, a former National Collegiate Athletic Assn. president and law professor expert on property division in divorce cases, died Oct. 10 in Kirkland, Wash., of complications from knee surgery.

A prominent member of the law faculty of the University of Washington from 1943 to 1984, Cross became the university’s representative to the NCAA because of his passion for sports and playing by the rules.

He served on the NCAA from 1963 to 1984, including two years as president and eight years as chairman of the committee on infractions. He worked to tighten recruitment rules and raise ethical standards. Cross was also president of the Pacific-10 Conference.

As a legal scholar, Cross wrote numerous law review articles and co-authored the divorce lawyers’ handbook “Community Property Desk Book.” He also influenced development of laws in several states to protect the community property rights of nonworking spouses.