Al Copeland, the famous offshore racer and owner of the fast food chain Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, died Sunday at a clinic near Munich, Germany. He was 64 years old.

Copeland had been diagnosed with a malignant salivary gland tumor shortly before Thanksgiving. His death was announced by his spokeswoman, Kit Wohl, on Sunday.

During his years on the offshore racing circuit, Copeland found substantial success. He won the internationally prestigious Harmsworth Trophy, the coveted World Championship and six national high-point championships.

“He was a real American dream,” said Kathy Latham, who owns Latham Marine with her husband, Bob. “From what I know, he worked hard all his life. He was a hands-on man who was very devoted to everything he put his mind to. He loved going fast on boats and he was devoted to the sport of offshore racing for a long time. He brought a lot of people to the sport and spent a fortune doing it. He didn’t mind doing it though. He was a very generous man and he lived a full life. The city of New Orleans is going to miss him.”

Copeland’s contribution to the sport was widespread. He tried a lot of different things over the years.

“I remember when he raced with two outboards turned on their sides,” said Latham. “He was always trying new exotic things to advance the sport.”

Legendary offshore racer Stan Ware had a lot to say about Copeland.

“I knew the guy for 34 years,” Ware said. “Our first race together was in 1979—we came in second place behind Bill Gazelle believe it or not. That race was 205 miles. We lost our power steering halfway through the race but Al just powered through it. He was like Superman and he always supported me even when he stopped racing. He’d come out to the World Championships just to support me. He was a great friend. As a matter of fact, we’ve had condos next door to each other for the last 15 years.”

Ware said he got the chance to see Copeland before he passed away.

“His son, Al Jr., stayed with him, encouraging him the whole time,” Ware added. “It was nice to see that role reversal. Al had always been there for his son and it was nice seeing his son be there for him. It made me happy to see him that last time. He was a fighter with sheer will power. He could do anything he put his mind to. He just lived on a different level.”