Al Copeland - The Komeback Kid!!!!!!!
 

I flew from New Orleans to Los Angeles yesterday to visit Big Al for his (49th) :D birthday. When I was visiting him at the hospital in New Orleans about 4 weeeks ago I thought that maybe it would be the last time I ever saw him as he has been in the biggest battle of and for his life, that goes well beyond anyones imagination. AS I saw him in that bed I was struck by a thought that he and I have always had while we traveled and changed time zones toting our (stuff) everywhere we went. Including our watch's, money clips, just valuables in general. The time old "where's his stuff?" question just popped up in my mind as it always did while in hotel rooms, in cars, on boats etc.. That is when it really hit home I said to myself "he don't care about his **** now because just like me , you, and everyone else in this world , we are going out like we came in, with nothing. I was so humbled by seeing my larger than life friend totally incapacitated and helpless, depending on people and machines to do the simpleest task, such as breathing. When I left the hospital that day I decided that even if the worst would come to be that Big Al had gone way beyond the "gathering stuff" success's and had done what most men wish and dream to do from day one. He had left literally hundreds of thousands of good works and deeds and impressions on people all over the world and that in the end the "stuff" would be gone, dispersed, they would mean a little to a few but the impressions and influences that he had left on his family and friends would continue to do good through those he had left the impressions and influences on. Big Al will live on and on like this , and at that point I resolved to make every day a good day and to do my best to leave the positive impressions that he as well as others have shown me by example over the years. months, days, or even hours that I have left on this earth. Because life is so very fragile. In November in Destin, the day of race two Big Al was there in my support as well as offshore in general. He looked fantastic as alwys and the night before the race I was next door at his condo and he told me his jaw was swelling and kept bothering him and he was thinking of flying home after the race tomorrow and get his doctor to check it out. I kinda blew it off thinking as always that nothing can hurt this dude. He watched the heat in cat lite from his jet circling high over course and left just in time, (:Whatever:the time right before Teague / Whittier passed us on lap 8 so we could get 2nd) We left for Key West and he called me 4 days later to tell me he had Merkel Cell Carcinoma a rare form of malinoma probably caused by exposure to sun. (wear sunblock and stay out of tanning booths!!!!) They gave him 20 to 1 odds to never leave the hospital in New Orleans, ( I coulda told them no problem if thats all they were) and last night he walked with his canes a bunch of steps, at the resteraunt we ate at in Santa Monica at which point he looked up and said "thats me , the Komeback Kid" . I am looking out over the pier at the Pacific and thinking of our first national race. It was The Ventura Grand Prix in 1979 and we rented a performance boat, twin stock 350's in a 30 ft Scarab, PURE INSANITY was the name of the boat and there were AT LEAST 8 OR NINE IN THE CLASS. We raced 225 miles and the last 100 were with no power steering. We came in second after Bill Gazelle's boat and we became OCEAN RACERS! We raced hundreds of races after that , some in south America and some in Europe. over 160 were national events in which I think we podiumed at least 80% of the time. First in open class and then in SUPERBOAT. One world in Key West, our first Key West was 1982, There were 6 legitimate 4 engine bohemouths at some events and it was crazy when they were all next to each other in big water. I sometimes wonder if someone could go back and see how many boats were beat each year by the winners because in the end thats what I want, to beat as many of my peers as I can. Dont get me wrong I do like the titles but the accolades given by peers is what means the most to me. I have gotten a bit off the subject as usual. The moral to my story is live each day in the fullest, each hour, stuff happens very fast. Leave good impressions and thoughts with people. Life for and under God's words and compassion. I am hear to also pray with my friend , imagine that , a bad boy like me :evilb:, representing. I want to ask everyoe who has time to wish my friend well because he is in a huge battle and is leaving for Germany soon for some new scientific high tech wax. He reminds me of the joke where the dude goes to the doctor and the doctor tells him he has been burning candle from both ends and he tells the doctor "I knew that, I came for more wax!!!" I will show him this thread this evening and hopefully a few of you guys have time for some well birthday wishs. This dude is an icon. He is a legend in many things but Offshore is his heart.

Thanks everyone.

any messages straight to him can go to
[email protected]

Stan
Popeyes Race Team

Very cool write up for a friend Stan. :cool:


Best of luck to Al, prayers for the continued recovery. God bless you both :bunny:

Happy Birthday Al, And get well soon.

Thanks Stan for another great story, Hope to see everyone soon!

Pete

Get well soon Big Al
 

I met Al Copeland last year during Madri Gras. I had aproached Stan months earlier about a business venture which he graciuosly considered. Anyway, I was in Baton Rouge in one of Stan's stores doing my " chicken training ".
I had no idea what Madri Gras was. One night Stan tells me that I was not going to work the next day and we were going to see Big Al in New Orleans. The next day we got to Big Al house and the first person to greet us was Big Al. He gave Stan and LyAnn a big hug and to me he extended his hand and said, "Al Copeland". Anybody who has met Al will tell you that his charisma is what sets him apart in a crowd. There were 3 white vans which got complete full of people that were going to the parade. I still had no clue what was to happen next. One state trooper car led the caravan while another trooper car followed. We got escorted all the way down to the staging area where the parade was to start. Stan says, "You will never forget this night buddy". Still I had no idea what was coming. We get escorted to the float where Big Al and his family ride on. Al's STUFF is 3 blocks long. He brings out his monster trucks,motorcycles,drag cars and to musch STUFF that I cant remember. The float is an ex-raceboat.

The parade starts and everybody was having a great time. After a couple hours I keep seeing these sighs that read " In Al we trust". Than it hit me. This man that I had just met is admired by all of these people. So, I go up to Al and ask him why not run for office. He replies" They would not know what to do whith a guy like me in office". Al has touched the lives of many people and I thank you for touching mine.

I will post other interestin stories that Al has told me about racing later. Hurry up Al we need you to make Sunny Isles so you can tell us in your own words some of these great stories.

Your friend,

Wil Ros

Happy Birthday Al, And a 1000 more! Louie

Big Al,
Happy Birthday!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
If anyone can beat this.....it would be you.!
Having a friend like Stan to be there.....priceless.

Scott & Shannon
Motey Crew

Best Wishes Al

Al
 

Sounds to me like your not letting such a terrible disease take all the fun & goodness out of life. KEEP LIVIN & LOVIN LIFE..

Al,
from the Stancombe family to yours, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. You are one of the guys that got us to want to be in this sport. and just meeting you was always a treat. You will be back, you will be fine. I have seen the power of prayer in these times and i will say it is stronger than ever. As my son turns one in a few days and george and i have ours in a few weeks, i wish you a wonderfull birthday. you are surrounded by people who truly care for you and your well being.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
god bless you
and get well
Mike Stancombe
PEPPERS RACING

Al get well soon
 

I met Al several times over the years racing and this man is always a gentlman.The last time was at Key West after the party he put on for everyone and I mean everyone.When I thanked him for inviting us he asked if we had a good time?My answer was we all had a grate time.He replied than it was a good party and thanked us for coming.Big Al thank you agan.
Dave Wesseldyk

Happy Birthday Al, And get well soon God bless & Thanks Stan for the great story...:(

Happy Birthday Al and am praying for you. Get Well.

Our prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Come on buddy, we expect you to make the comeback !!!

Charlie McCarthy

Happy birthday Al and hang in there,and as said in the past,THANKS for all that you have done and when you get better will continue to do.GET WELL SOON.

Great story Stan, Best wishes to you Al....get well soon...HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

It was 9 years ago when I was racing in my first year. We were in Key West for the worlds and there was a open party for the racers at the end of the Pier. Everyone was talking about it and at the time I had never heard of the man. Someone had explained to me that he was the guy that owned Popey's Chicken and being from the North I still didnt know about that either. Well let me tell you,that was one of the nicest partys with food,drink and a band. There was hundreds of people having a blast. The next day we were confused as to why someone would spend that kind of money to have a party for hundreds of people with out a return on his investment. The person I was talking to explained that Al was just that kind of guy. Our team has been talking about Al for the last 9 years and what he has done for the sport. It is people like him that make this such great sport to be part of. Thanks Al and have a great B day:cool-smiley-026:
Randy

Great read Stan, Best wishes Al....get well -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

I have been to a couple of his parties in Key West and Biloxi, and they are always AWESOME!! He is truly a icon of our sport!!!

Our prayers are with Al and his battle he is faceing!! Hang in there!!!

Brad Harrington
Team KANSAS

Happy Birthday, Big Al.....Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You got this beat!!!!

Bob & Patti

Awesome post Stan - your words are obviously from the heart. Al is very fortunate to have a friend such as yourself. He is and has been in our prayers since I first heard of his illness.

Happy Birthday and get well soon Al, your contribution to the sport is immeasurable and your hospitality is legendary.

Stan, Al

Both you guys were cut from the same mold. The Turbine trophy Al signed for me sit's promonatly in my office. I like you Stan I think about how valuable life and my families health is everyday, partly because of my job and partly because of what I've seen in life and how quickly things can change. Al's very lucky to have such a dedicated friend like you.

Al, What can I say. Your EGT's are a little high right now back it out and save the engines for another race. I can't wait for you to see us run the NEW MISS GEICO with maybe we'll pop in the t55 - L- 11's....RIGHT UP YOUR ALLY!! and there's a seat in the back for you when your ready.


Be well,

Marc
Turbine Powered
Mis GEICO

Al-

from one cancer survivor to the next: get well buddy!

I met Al in key west a couple years ago. We were having drinks on duval st and talking about toys and boats and cars and cool stuff like that. Al had the new Bentley that he said wasnt fast enough to do what we were talking about... Next thing you know, someone had delivered his blue benz 65 that would...

hahahha!!!! great times!:cool-smiley-027:

Great News , Good Luck Al


Mike

Get well, buddy!!!!! :) :)

We all are rooting for you to get better!

Chris

About 25 years ago, I was officiating the 'Cougar Cub' World Championships in Key West. We were all there for the Worlds, with all the 3 and 4 engine boats. On the off day, we held the Cub championship. Most all the teams had one painted up just like the big boat. Toward the end of the day, someone brought us a box of chicken and some beer. We put it on the hood of the nearest car, and continued to watch the heat races. Up comes Al, and says "What the f**k is that KFC doing on the hood of my car??????? He swooped it off with one hand, jumped in his Agusta Bell 109 chooper, flew to Miami, and brought back a chopper load of Popeye's for everyone.

I didn't know he was ill. He is one hell of a guy, and I wish him the very best.

Hey Stan, How about the time we where on the top of the Pier House and our late friend Bill Sirois saw what he thought to be a ***** fish and somehow we all ended up falling in (or shall I say pushed in) the water from 4 stories up. Please give Big Al all my best.
Jerry Gilbreath

Quality VS Quantity,,, says it all. Such a sweet person and class act, Happy Birthday, Thanks for setting the bar!
KFP

Get well, BIG Daddy !!!!!

B well, Happy BD!!!!!!!!!!!!

To my offshore Dad growing up in and around New Orleans and seeing my first race on the lake I can stand by Stans words.He also openened his first Popeyes in my home town. What a person to set goals after!!!
Al and his family has always been like family to me and my sons.Get well soon Skater Brother , prayers for you and your family.

Keith Nunez aka HotPursuitRacing

I First Met Big Al At A Party He Threw At His Home In New Orleans In 82. Great Host Then And A Great Person Still Today. Get Well Al, My Prayers Are With You.