John ‘Dixie’ Deans, the former Celtic striker, has been laid to rest today. The 79-year-old passed away on December 9; no cause has been disclosed. Former Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, current board members and a host of ex-Hoops icons joined fans as the funeral cortege travelled down The Celtic Way before a service at Daldowie Crematorium.
- Fast Facts:
- Deceased: John ‘Dixie’ Deans, aged 79 (died December 9, 2025)
- Funeral cortege passed Celtic Park on Monday; service held at Daldowie Crematorium
- Attendees included Peter Lawwell, chairman Brian Wilson, Tom Boyd, Murdo McLeod, Tosh McKinlay, George McCluskey and Alan Rough
- Remembered for two historic hat-tricks in national finals and six major honours with Celtic
The Legacy
Dixie Deans is widely recognised as one of Celtic’s greatest-ever servants. His top achievements include:
- Scoring two hat-tricks in national finals — the 1972 Scottish Cup final and the 1974 League Cup final, both against Hibs — a unique feat in Scottish football history.
- Helping the club capture six major honours during a prolific spell at Parkhead in the 1970s.
- Remaining a visible and beloved figure at Celtic later in life, regularly appearing on matchdays and maintaining a deep bond with supporters.
Social Proof — Reactions and Tributes
The cortege passing Celtic Park prompted an outpouring of respect from fans who lined The Celtic Way to hail the Hoops legend. Former chairman Peter Lawwell, who only recently stood down from his executive role, delivered a personal message of condolence, calling Deans “a great Celt and one of the finest goalscorers ever to have played for the club.” Lawwell added that he was “fortunate” to have watched Deans play and to have known him personally in later years.
Club officials and ex-players including Tom Boyd and Murdo McLeod stood alongside current board members such as chairman Brian Wilson as they paid their respects. Other former stars seen at the service included Tosh McKinlay, George McCluskey and ex-Scotland keeper Alan Rough.
Fans and former team-mates described the scenes outside Celtic Park as heartfelt and dignified — an emotional final salute to a striker whose exploits at Hampden remain part of Celtic folklore. The Parkhead club formally hailed Deans as “one of the club’s greatest ever servants.”
As tributes continue to pour in, supporters and former colleagues alike have focused on Deans’s unforgettable goals and the deep affection he inspired across generations of Celtic fans.
Details: The club and family have asked for privacy at this time while messages of condolence continue to be shared across social channels and at Celtic Park.
Image Referance: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/15738995/peter-lawwell-celtic-heroes-dixie-deans-funeral-fans-legend/