A Port Hardy lighthouse keeper is now looking at retirement after claiming a $1 million Lotto 6/49 prize recently in Vancouver.
Ivan Dubinsky matched all 10 numbers in the Nov. 27, 2019, draw to win the guaranteed prize.
The BC Lottery Corporation says as a result of his full-time commitment to looking after the lighthouse and sending critical weather reports to nearby aircraft and ships, Dubinsky purchases his lottery tickets online.
“It’s difficult to buy lottery tickets when you’re at the lighthouse all the time,” Dubinsky said.
“You have to be granted leave, and there are not too many lighthouse keepers available these days.”
BCLC says Dubinsky began playing the lottery this past fall and found out about his winning prize in an e-mail from PlayNow.com.
He was unable to leave the lighthouse for two months to claim his prize in Vancouver but plans to have a more relaxing lifestyle ahead.
“I’ll slowly begin the retirement process, give some of my winnings to my brothers and sisters, and possibly buy a home in the north part of Vancouver Island,” Dubinsky said.
He added, “Though I may still want to be a relief lighthouse keeper.”
CHEK News
