Gilbert B Cross

Cross, Professor Gilbert B. May 2, 1939-October 5, 2019 Ann Arbor, MI Professor Gilbert B. Cross passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019 from Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of Bladder. GB, as he was known was born in Walkden, nr. Manchester, England on May 2, 1939. His parents were Gilbert Edward Cross and Doris (Gregory) Cross. Along with his parents, his brother, Graham Anthony Cross predeceased him. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 53 years, Peggy (Boswell) Cross of Ann Arbor. His son John Gilbert-Cross and fiancé, Sara Bobak of Los Angeles, CA. His son Robert Andrew (Dana) Cross and his adored three year old granddaughter, Keaton (Keke) Cross of Ann Arbor. His sister-in-law, Susan (Wells) Cross and two nephews, Alistar (Elizabeth) Cross and Duncan (Chole) Cross of England. His sister Valerie (Terry) Thompsett and his nieces, Mary (Darrel) Ward and Louise (Kenneth) Bereen of Sussex, England, as well as nine grand nieces and nephews. GB attended Manchester University where he took a degree in General Studies, which allowed him to concentrate on his two great interests- English literature and ancient history. After graduation, he attended London University and received a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. He came to Louisville, Kentucky in August, 1963, intending to study Educational TV. Here he met his wife, Peggy (Boswell) Cross who was teaching third grade at Stonestreet Elementary. From the University of Louisville, GB received a MA in English language and literature. In 1966, he and Peggy came to Ann Arbor where they raised their two sons, John and Robert Cross. GB taught at Eastern Michigan University in the English Department, and began a PhD in Radio, TV and Film at the University of Michigan before transferring to one in English language and literature. He taught at Eastern Michigan University for forty-two years where he was much liked and his dry English humor was fully appreciated. GB specialized in his beloved Shakespeare, children's literature, creative writing and folklore. During that time, he wrote three espionage novels under the pseudonym Jon Winters and four children's books. His book, Next Week: East Lynne, a study in Victorian melodrama won the Barnard Hewitt Award for outstanding contribution to theatre history. He was coeditor, with Atelia Clarkson of World Folktales, which he used in his folklore classes. With his great friend and colleague, Alfred Lewis Nelson, he edited Drury Lane Journal, based on the secret diaries of James Winston, which shed much light on what went on backstage at Drury Lane Theatre from 1819-1826. Together, they directed the Adelphi Calendar Project, on online database of everything that took place at London's Adelphi Theatre from 1806 to 1900. Professor Cross lost count of the years devoted to this project but was sure it was at least twenty-three. He received a distinguished faculty award from E.M.U. and a teaching award from the state of Michigan. He was one of a triumvirate of professors responsible for brining collective bargaining to EMU. GB was an exceedingly social person and had many friends who enjoyed listening to his dissertations on various worldly topics. These topics were usually laid down at the R. and R. Pub over margaritas. Below is a note from Joe Donohue, general editor of the London Stage 1800-1900 program, What I admired most about Gil, I think, aside from his sheer determination to finish what he started, was his down-to-earth realism about what could be accomplished in a given time and what was worth doing regardless of time. As general editor of London Stage 1800-1900 program, I stood on the sidelines, mostly, while Gil and Alfred directed their corps of volunteer scholars and pressed on, day after day and year after year. What they produced was a genuine marvel of electronic resources: the first and so far the only daily calendar of performances in a major London theatre over virtually the entire nineteenth century, as well as the single most successful and substantial project of all out efforts. I truly appreciate what he and Alfred did, against considerable odds. The results, as later augmented by Ted Seward's multiple illustrations, now stand as a fitting, eloquent memorial to Gil and Alfred. I hope these words capture something of Gil's stature and accomplishments over a lifetime of productive labor. What they miss is the full profile of a man who surely was all of this and much more to you and your children. I have strong images of him, visual and aural, but I'm sure they pale in comparison to what you and your children hold in heart and mind. All I can add is my gratitude for having crossed paths with Gilbert Cross at an early point and for having known him as a formidable collaborator in our scholarly efforts. It pleases me greatly that we worked together so well and for so long. I hope and trust that it pleased him greatly as well. GB was active in retirement, playing Scrabble at the senior center and Petanque in Burns Park. He loved Michigan football.He was a member of the Arcadia Mixture, the Sherlock Holmes Society and of the Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club. He wrote many young adult fantasy novels including the Dragon Fire series, which he published on Amazon and Kindle. At Professor Cross' request, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held.