Ivan Sorensen 1952-2007 Danish Ivan Sorensen, known among his many friends as “Red Ivan”, has died on the 9th February at about 14.00 pm at the age of 55 years. Ivan was known by many people here in Pattaya. He was a jolly and smiling person. When he entered a bar or gathering of people this big Dane (about 200 kg.) drew all the attention because of his happy attitude. People who did not know him well would wonder who was that big person who had given a round of drinks and suddenly just left the place, without giving the receivers the chance to say cheers and thank you? Now he has made his disappearance number again but this time for the last time, so all of us must say thank you Ivan for everything you gave Pattaya. Ivan was famous for his skills as a magician; he entertained many with his card tricks and fantastic memory. He was born in Fredericia in Denmark and came to Pattaya about 30 to 35 years ago. Here he met his wife Jim, they have been married for about 25 years. In Denmark he had a successful business with gaming machines and he brought a fortune with him to Thailand from this business, and invested some of the money in a 50% share in the Hardtien Restaurant, operation with speed boats and much more on Koh Larn together with Khun Kae (Khun Vichai Ittivorakul). He also invested in the Ritz Estate Apartment Building in Soi 5 of Phratamnak Road. He lived and died in the Ritz Estate. He was a big man with a big heart for other people, always generous, always cheerful. He has touched the lives of so many; it was therefore no surprise that hundreds of people came to his funeral at the Wat Chaimongkol on South Pattaya Road. “Red Ivan” will be truly missed, Pattaya will probably not be the same without the magic he gave our city. |