Orillia widower to take late wife on ‘dream' trip after winning $5M jackpot
An Orillia man has a grand adventure planned after winning $5 million in the Lotto 6/49 draw from March 19.
Paul Cousineau, a 51-year-old administrative professional in the hospitality industry, lost his wife last year.
'Her dream was to take an Alaskan cruise, and I want to honour that by going on one for my 52nd birthday this fall,' he told officials while claiming his winnings at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.
'I'll have her urn with me, so in a way, she'll be with me on this trip.'
Cousineau called the win 'absolutely surreal.'
'It was a regular day when I decided to pick up a ticket at my usual store,' he recounted.
'I've been buying my tickets there for years,' he said, adding that he usually uses the quick pick feature when he plays his favourite games, Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max.
The father of two and grandfather of one admitted he doesn't check his tickets immediately after draws, and in this case, he waited about a month.
'By then, I had over 20 tickets to check,' Cousineau said.
But it wasn't the sheer volume of tickets being checked that caused the lottery terminal to freeze. But the big win didn't lead him to scream and shout in excitement.
'I remained calm and carried on with my day, only telling my cousin about my win,' he said, noting, 'I even made them take an oath of silence.'
Even when his grandson questioned him, Cousineau downplayed the incredible news.
'Unexpectedly, my grandson checked my ticket and asked, 'Did you win the jackpot?' I told him, 'No, but I won $5,000!''
He explained he wanted to keep his win a secret until he 'had the cheque in hand,' then announced the win at a family barbecue.
Cousineau, who purchased the ticket at a Circle K on Atherley Road in Orillia, added: 'I'm overjoyed and shaking. All the anticipation I've felt has led to this moment, and it's a dream come true.'
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