Modest Vernon man wins half a million dollars

The career of an airplane mechanic from Vernon won’t be changing course even though he won $500,000 playing the lottery.

“I love my job,” Eric Tucker said. “I have dreamt of winning but I am still not exactly sure what I am going to do with the money.”

Tucker purchased his winning ticket at Charlie’s Grocery in Vernon. He split the $1,000,000 prize with another winner from Surrey. Both men matched all seven digits on the June 8 Maxmillions draw.

Tucker discovered he won while working around his home and yard.

“It has been surreal. I couldn’t believe it.”

Saving the money for his family is priority number one, and Tucker otherwise just wants to celebrate quietly at home.

“I love my lifestyle – I’m not a big spender. It’s more financial security.”

More than $109 million in winnings have been redeemed from Lotto Max since the start of 2021.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.