Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Absolutely, but as were about to see he and his wife are more emotional about it. Gary Collicutt has been playing 6/49 since its inception. That’s 33 years to be exact. He’s won before — $2,400 from 15-years ago. So clearly, his perseverence has paid off.

This gas station is where 66-year old Gary Collicutt bought his winning lottery ticket. And the married father of two is still coming to grips with his luck: “Pretty unbelievable. I saw it, I didn’t belive it, then I believed it.”

In shock, he drove home to tell his wife Joyce: “He come in the door. He was a little shaky. He got a drink and he says “Put a 5 and two fill in the blanks”, and I didnt know the math. Did we? Did we?!! And I just hug him and run around the room!. Estactic!”

Gary a factory worker for 32 years, Joyce an insurance company employee for 25 – they paid off their mortgage 10 years ago: “We’re middle of the road people financially I guess you could say. Gotta live on a lot less since were retired.”

But not anymore.

“It’s unbelievable. Gets emotional. Never think it’s gonna happen to you, but it does.”

And they’ve already outlined their priorities: “I have two children and I am taking care of them first.”

Sikander Fazal sold the winning ticket. He’s owned his gas station for two years and this is new for him too: “First time, large one is a first time.”

Once family and friends are comfortable, Joyce says it will then be the couple’s turn: “We’ll stay here. Take some trips. Get a lot of golf in. Visting family everywhere. Relax on the beach.”

Gary Collicutt plays quick pick and on top of his 5 million he also won $2 for matching the last number of Encore.

Collicutt is just the latest in a number of lottery winners from Hamilton. In January, Kathryn Jones collected $50 million. You may recall she lost her lottery ticket and the OLG had to track her down.

In December, Jennifer McIntyre won $19 million and last September, 35-year old Nick A. Takticos won a cool $30 million.

I’d say we are in a very lucky town.