PACIFIC PALISADESFuneral services took place on November 19, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, to mourn the passing of Pete Dalis, the legendary, 19-year UCLA Athletic Director.

Dalis, passed away on November 15 at his home in Pacific Palisades.. He was 76 and had been suffering from multiple myeloma.

According to a UCLA news release, “During Dalis’ term as athletic director, which ended in 2002, UCLA won 39 NCAA championships (22 men’s and 17 women’s) and moved into No. 1 nationally in titles. It still holds that spot today.”

Some of Dalis’ most notable achievements included the construction of several athletic facilities, including the John R. Wooden Center, the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, and the J.D. Morgan Center, which is the headquarters for Bruins athletic administrators and coaches. It also houses the UCLA Hall of Fame.

Dalis will also be remembered for his efforts in “growing the Bruins’ scholarship endowment from nothing to $24 million, allowing UCLA to endow 174 athletic grants-in-aid through private donations.”

Under Dalis’ leadership, the Bruin football team achieved four 10-win seasons, the men’s basketball team went to the NCAA Tournament 15 times and achieved the rank of national champions in 1995.

Dalis was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.

Dalis is survived by Margaret Wigmore Dalis, his wife; their two children; and his brother, Gus and his wife Helen; nephews Tom, Chris and Mike; their wives; four great-grand nephews; and one great-grand niece.