Albert Greening was dragged by his shirt sleeve from the bathroom last Wednesday as his wife had him double check the winning numbers on her Lotto 6/49 ticket.
“I couldn’t believe it was my numbers,” said Margaret Greening, who has played the same numbers almost since the B.C. Lottery Corporation started 30 years ago. She usually picks her tickets up at the 7-Eleven on 39th Ave. and 32nd St. (Highway 97).
Despite being an April Fool’s Day draw, it was no joke that Albert, 70, and Margaret, 65, of Vernon were made instant millionaires.
The retired couple travelled to Kamloops Tuesday to pick up their $5.8 million cheque. They waited until after the Easter long weekend so they could share the news with their four children (all of Vernon), eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“Go check the car lots, you’ll probably see them all there,” said Albert with a laugh.
Aside from sharing with family, the couple have few plans so far for their winnings.
Albert wants to make sure Margaret’s father is well looked after, since his health is not well.
“Other than that, just relax,” said Albert.
While they own a house back on the east coast, where they are originally from, they don’t own a house in Vernon, therefore that’s a possibility they are looking at.
“My granddaughter has been checking the listings ever since,” said Albert.
The couple are originally from Newfoundland, and came here 15 years ago on a vacation. That vacation turned into a life here after Albert picked up a job as a school bus driver, and went on to truck driving. He retired three years ago.
Margaret has been a cashier in town, at the Superstore and Walmart, when she wasn’t busy raising the kids and looking after the home. The couple have been married for 47 years.
“Aren’t I brave,” joked Albert.
But in fact, Albert would cling to his lucky lady, whether she was a millionaire or not.
“She’s still the boss,” said Albert.
This isn’t the first time Margaret has had luck on her side.
“She had five numbers once before,” said Albert of a $3,000 win. “And she won $25 here this (Tuesday) morning.”
“I had a couple tickets in my purse so I checked them here (BCLC head office) and I had $25 and two free tickets,” beamed Margaret.
“Maybe I should play again.”
