- Jimmy Calderwood has died at the age of 69, his family announced on Sunday
- The ex-Dunfermline and Aberdeen boss was diagnosed with dementia in 2015
Former Dunfermline and Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has died at the age of 69 after a lengthy battle with dementia.
Calderwood passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning with devoted partner Yvonne Buchanan and her two daughters by his side.
Calderwood, who also bossed Kilmarnock and Ross County, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2015.
Two years later he went public with his plight and spoke of his determination to continue enjoying life as much as possible, and he hoped that opening up would help raise awareness of the condition.
The ex-Birmingham City star was, in his prime, one of Scottish football’s most colourful and popular characters.
Heartbroken Yvonne said today: ‘What can I say? I’ve lost the love of my life to a very cruel disease.
‘We shared so many special moments together, especially with my children – Mark, Carla and Jolana – and we are all devastated.
‘We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported and loved him. Your kindness, care and unwavering support meant the world not only to him but to all of us.
‘I’d like to extend my gratitude to the staff at Abbotsford House in Bearsden, Glasgow.
‘We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly sad time and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.’
He arrived at Dunfermline Athletic in 1999 after spells coaching Willem II and NEC Nijmegen in Holland.
The Glaswegian took Pars into the top flight where he improved their position year on year.
Calderwood guided them to the Scottish Cup Final in 2004, guaranteeing the club European qualification.
He left for Aberdeen soon after that defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park.
Dons consistently achieved high-place finishes under Calderwood and reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup in 2007/08 where his team drew 2-2 with mighty Bayern Munich.
Periods in charge at Killie and Ross County were briefer before a return to Holland with Go Ahead Eagles then De Graafschap.
As a player, Calderwood made over 150 appearances for Birmingham in England’s top division, now the Premier League, and was a teammate of Trevor Francis and Kenny Burns.
He played nearly 200 Eredivisie games for clubs including Sparta Rotterdam and Roda JC.
In Holland, he was a teammate of Louis van Gaal and played against the likes of Johan Cruyff, Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten and Ronald Koeman.
Calderwood has four children – Scott, Kay, Donna and Nikki – from his first marriage to Sue.
He is survived by the family who have cared for him through years of declining health – loving partner Yvonne, her daughters Carla and Jolana and her son Mark.
