Former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel died at home in Kirriemuir with his wife, Amanda, and son, Scott, at his bedside.
He was diagnosed with vascular dementia and alzheimer’s six years ago, when he was aged just 59, and Amanda has fought for free care to be extended to under 65s with dementia.
Falkirk-born Frank met his wife when they were teenagers and were married 45 years ago this week.
Amanda said: “I’ve lost my best friend and my soulmate. He was a gentleman who lived for his family. He would have gone to the ends of earth for us.
“He was a humble person. He was actually a shy man underneath but he had a wicked sense of humour and got up to some high jinks.
“At the end it was just Scott and I. I had him in my arms and Scott was holding his hand. It was very peaceful. I would just like to thank all those who have supported Frank, myself and our family during this difficult time.”
Paying tribute to his father, Scott said: “He was a wonderful man and a great dad and granddad. You’d struggle to find anyone to say a bad word about him because he was such a great guy.”
Frank lifted the League Cup twice during 10 years at Tannadice and scored a famous volleyed equaliser against Anderlecht in the Uefa Cup in 1979 which took his side through to the next round.
Frank first signed for Manchester United as a 16-year-old schoolboy and went on to play for Sir Matt Busby alongside the likes of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.
After three years at the club, Frank played a further three seasons in England, for Blackburn Rovers, before transferring to Dundee United in 1972.
Frank finished his playing career at Arbroath and went on to become assistant manager of the side, as well as spending a spell at Forfar as assistant manager in the early ’90s.
After he was diagnosed with dementia, Frank’s wife began her campaign, which won the backing of TV star Lorraine Kelly, Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross and former footballers.
The fight took Amanda to the Scottish Parliament to hold talks with Health Secretary Alex Neil and she also appeared in front of MSPs at the public petitions committee.
Until Frank’s 65th birthday last month, the couple were forced to pay for council care services costing around £400 a month.
The policy was described by Amanda as “discriminatory” and Mr Neil has since suggested he may close the “loophole” in the law that denies younger dementia sufferers free care.
Amanda said: “I’m going to carry on the fight for free care for others. If they thought I was shouting before I’ll be shouting even louder now. I’ll do it in memory of Frankie.
“It would need a law to be passed and I’d like them to call it ‘Frank’s Law’. I’ve promised Frankie if I have to crawl on my hands and knees for this, I’ll do it.
“It’s up to the Scottish Government now.”
Frank is survived by wife Amanda, son Scott, his wife Jacqueline and their two children, Kendal and Ryan.