Perseverance has paid off -- big time -- for 55-year-old Ron Jones.
After playing the lottery for 25 years, Jones and his wife Gloria Dutchuk hit the jackpot Saturday.
The Winnipeg couple won $8.3 million (US$6.7 million) on a Lotto 6/49 Quick Pick -- the fifth largest win in Manitoba history. It's their share of a $25-million jackpot.
"I didn't know what to think," the saw operator told a news conference yesterday. "It's an unreal number."
Jones -- who describes himself as "an average Joe" -- purchased two Quick Picks at the 7-Eleven at 3021 Ness Ave. He said he returned Sunday morning to check his numbers. The clerk told him he couldn't cash the ticket because the win was too high, Jones said.
Jones said he initially believed he had won $843,000 and was in shock. It was only after he returned home "in a daze" and Dutchuk looked at the ticket that the couple realized they had won millions.
"All of a sudden you can buy what you want, when you want," Dutchuk, 48, said. "It's overwhelming."
Dutchuk, who works as a research manager at Health Sciences Centre, said she hasn't yet decided whether she'll quit her job. But Jones, who's on holidays, said he has no plans to return to work.
He is going on an eight-day Las Vegas golf vacation with some friends, which was planned prior to the win.
Jones said he has no plans to gamble while in Sin City.
"My gambling days are over," he said.
WANTS A MUSTANG
Neither Jones nor Dutchuk said they have any immediate plans for their new money, though their 17-year-old daughter would like a Ford Mustang.
"I know I can have anything I want but I already have everything I want," Jones said.
"There are a few things your wife wants," Dutchuk quipped.
The biggest lottery win in Manitoba history was $19.9 million in December 2001. It was won by a group of employees at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Winnipeg.
25 years of playing is a little disheartening....I've only been at it for 3 years...But its still nice to hear....probably took him that long cause he had QP instead of his own numbers
Quote:Originally posted by Justin on March 2, 2005
"My gambling days are over," he said.
FINALLY we have a smart jackpot winner.
If I won Powerball, I think I'd still buy one ticket every drawing, just in case I struck it again. Imagine how cool it would be to win the jackpot twice.
when that person finally realizes how much money they have they'll go on a spending spree that will greatly surpass the combined gross income of everyone in rowlett!
Nice story. I wish them luck. Especially going to Las Vegas and not gambling. That takes restaint.
25 years of playing is a little disheartening....I've only been at it for 3 years...But its still nice to hear....probably took him that long cause he had QP instead of his own numbers
I hope I don't have to wait 25 years for the BIG hit, but oh well, wait I shall.
Article said, "17-year-old daughter would like a Ford Mustang." ... better be careful what you buy them youngin's
litebets
Good for them. Let's hope they spend the money wisely.
"My gambling days are over," he said.
FINALLY we have a smart jackpot winner.
If I won Powerball, I think I'd still buy one ticket every drawing, just in case I struck it again. Imagine how cool it would be to win the jackpot twice.
After a BIG win, I'd probably only play Take Five, and give the prize/s away to my family and their children.
Good things come to those who wait...and have a couple of tickets!
hope it doesn't take me that long to hit it big!
His wife sounds like mine...just a few things she wants...uh huh.
when that person finally realizes how much money they have they'll go on a spending spree that will greatly surpass the combined gross income of everyone in rowlett!