An avid fisherman from a small B.C. community east of Courtenay a is celebrating a big win.
Richard Akins, from Powell River, says he was “speechless” when he learned he’d won $1 million from the Jan. 3 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“My daughter texted to say someone won in Powell River,” he said in a release Wednesday.
“I checked my ticket [on the BCLC Lotto! App] and realized it was my ticket that won.”
Akins says his daughter and wife were equally surprised by the seven-figure win.
“My daughter said, ‘No way!’”
Akins isn’t totally sure what he plans to do with his winnings yet. However, he says he’s nearing retirement and that the winings will “make that a bit easier.”
Akins bought his winning ticket at the 7-Eleven on Joyce Avenue in Powell River.
The Powell River man’s win was revealed just one day after the BC Lottery Corporation announced that a Denman Island man also won $500,000 from a recent lottery draw.
In that case, winner David Elliott bought his lucky ticket from the Walmart in Courtenay.
Both men are described as fishing enthusiasts, with Elliott saying he planned to “buy more bait and go fishing,” with some of his winnings.
Adam Chan
