Dr.
Iain Corness
When a small child loses its father, the
family breadwinner, the future is generally very
bleak. That was the likely scenario for Nong
Dream, the 11-year-old daughter of Elvis
Ballard, Pattaya’s best known Elvis
impersonator.
Richie
Newton speaks fondly of Elvis Ballard, as the
late singer’s wife Kuntalee listens intently.
Elvis Ballard was the resident Elvis at the
Jomtien Boathouse and Captain’s Corner
restaurants and attracted a very appreciative
audience every week. His act was recognized as
the most professional by his peers, the other
Elvis impersonators. Phuket’s Elvis, Ritchie
Newton, recounted the night Elvis Ballard was
having an audition for his Elvis Ritchie show.
After only one song, Ritchie’s partner said,
“He’s better than you, Ritchie.” Ritchie could
only agree.
When Elvis Ballard was diagnosed with cancer
early this year, everyone hoped for a quick
recovery, but it was not to be. Elvis Ballard
died on July 19 2008, in the arms of his wife
Kuntalee Djunsrikul. His only worry was the
future education of his daughter, but his
long-time friends Ib and Kanikar Ottesen assured
him that this would be taken care of, and his
passing was peaceful. As Ib said, “He could go
to Dixieland in peace.”
Ib and Kanikar also set up a fixed bank account
in her name, with her education needs to be paid
out in installments over the next 10 years.
Ritchie
Newton performs a great Elvis show.
To assist in raising the necessary funds, a
charity concert was held on July 6 at the
Jomtien Boathouse, with all the proceeds going
into the account. Sponsors for this event
included Casa Pascal Restaurant, Mata Hari
Restaurant, Mermaid’s Dive School, Poseidon
Restaurant, Captain’s Corner Bar-B-Q, Pinnacle
Resort, Mulligans Pub, Jomtien Boathouse,
Classic Tailor, Residence Garden and Jomtien
Beach Residence. Even people who could not
attend, such as Elvis Colin Young (De Jong),
supported the event, sending a cash donation to
Elvis Ballard’s Kuntalee.
The concert attracted a huge audience who came
to say their final farewells. They were
entertained by performers who donated their
time, including a great Elvis show from Ritchie
Newton, Rick and Harpic plus Rick’s daughter
Carly Bryant and a guest spot by Mary from the
Blues Factory and finally Elvis Arthur, but a
very large cheer went to Ib Ottesen himself, who
opened the show. There was also another
enthusiastic ‘performer’ (Dr. Iain) who was
called on stage by Ritchie Newton to join him in
a number. It is wonderful how rejuvenating a
glass of champagne can be.
A
very large cheer went to Ib Ottesen when he
opened the show.
Lucky draws and raffles rounded out an evening
which, although tinged with sadness, reminded
everyone of a wonderful entertainer and father,
who had been snatched from us. However, with the
compassion shown by so many people in Pattaya,
his legacy to his daughter will not be
forgotten, with the evening raising around
250,000 baht.
If you wish to add to the education fund, go to
www. elvisballard.com where donations can be
made on-line, or donations can be made
personally at The Residence Garden, Captain’s
Corner or Jomtien Boathouse.
Ritchie Newton and Dr. Iain – “It is wonderful
how rejuvenating
a glass of champagne can be.” (Photo courtesy
Alan Coates)
(L to
R) Elvis Ballard’s wife Kuntalee Djunsrikul,
daughter Nong Dream and Kanikar Ottesen at the
fundraising evening at the Jomtien Boathouse.
Rick
and Harpic plus Rick’s daughter Carly Bryant
perform at the concert.