Coldstream resident Randall McDuff has one million reasons to smile.
McDuff says he's still pinching himself as he lets the feeling sink in after winning the $1-million guaranteed prize in the March 28 Lotto 6/49 draw.
After checking his numbers at 7-Eleven in Vernon, where he purchased the winning ticket, McDuff reassured his wife that his irregular breathing was for a positive reason.
“When I went out to the car ... she asked me if I was having a heart attack,” says McDuff.
“When I told her that I had won, at first she didn't believe me and I had to tell her a few times.”
McDuff claimed the life-changing prize using BCLC’s temporary alternate prize-claim process.
Once the pandemic allows him to resume normal activities, McDuff says he may take a trip to Australia. More fishing and golfing are also in the plans.
“Winning doesn't seem real, and I have to remind myself," he said.
His first priority is to visit family in Manitoba after several years of not being able to. “My family is older, and I would like the opportunity to see them again once I am able to.”
- with files from Jon Manchester, Castanet
