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By Pete McIntyre

Coldstream resident wins $1 million lottery prize

Apr 15, 2020 | 12:04 PM

Randall McDuff says his wife thought he was having a heart attack — but he was just excited.

The Coldstream resident is still pinching himself after winning the guaranteed prize of $1 million from the March 28 Lotto 6/49 draw.

After checking his numbers at the 7-Eleven in Vernon where he bought the winning ticket, McDuff reassured his wife that his irregular breathing was not a cause for concern.

“When I went out to the car, I was checking my breath and she asked me if I was having a heart attack,” said 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. She was very excited for me.”

McDuff, who claimed the life-changing prize using BCLC’s temporary alternate prize-claim process, has been playing Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max for more than 20 years and has never traveled outside of Canada.

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He said the $1 million win will change his life and, once COVID-19 allows him to resume normal activities, he may take a trip to Australia, along with more fishing and golfing.

“Winning doesn’t seem real, and I have to remind myself that I have won $1 million dollars,” McDuff said.

McDuff added 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.”

by Pete McIntyre
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