Jimmy Calderwood dead at 69: Former Dunfermline and Aberdeen manager passes away after a lengthy battle with dementia
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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.
![[He had a long battle with dementia and was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2015]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262377-14299253-image-m-87_1737293633072.jpg)
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.
![[His 18-year managerial career spanned from 1996 to 2014, coaching eight different clubs]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262375-14299253-image-a-86_1737293625305.jpg)
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. Former Dunfermline and Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has died at the age of 69.
He had a long battle with dementia and was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2015. '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.
