Don Jacklynn checked and rechecked his lottery numbers in case he had written them down wrong. He even had someone else check them, too, until finally, it sunk in — Jacklynn and three co-workers were millionaires.
Jacklynn, Hemlal Timsina and Patrick Rossetti of Lethbridge and Richard Carr of nearby Raymond are splitting the $16,087,108 they won Nov. 13 in the Lotto 6/49 Jackpot. They each get just over $4 million.
"We’re still in shock," said Jacklynn about the group, whose previous largest win was $30.
The millwrights take turns buying quick pick tickets for Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max every week. Last week was Jacklynn’s turn to pick the random digits at a 7-Eleven store.
The 47-year-old said he’s going to pay off his mortgage, buy his wife a new vehicle and invest the rest so he doesn’t have to work anymore.
Timsina, 50, hopes to pay off debts, travel, support his children’s education as well as establish an organization to support new Canadians.
Rossetti, 41, doesn’t know what he’ll do with his windfall.
"I used to restore cars, so I might go back to that," he said. "I think I’ll pay off my mortgage and look after my mom."
Carr, 54, wants to travel, and added that with the jackpot, his kids will get the education they want and deserve. He said the millwrights are hiring someone to guide them in investments so they don’t burn through the cash.
All four plan to quit their jobs at Lethbridge Iron Works in the new year.
"It’s shift work and our day often starts at 5 a.m.," said Carr. "It’ll be a nice break not to do it anymore."
The men are planning to stay in the community and keep buying lottery tickets. They’ve been buying them for about 11 years and aren’t stopping now.
"Try to buy them as a group," Jacklynn advised. "It’s better when you can share the money among co-workers."
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.