$7 million lottery winner doesn't change a thing

Sep 9, 2011, 8:04 am (24 comments)

Canada 6/49

Played same numbers for 21 years

After realizing he had won $7 million in a Canada Lotto 6/49 draw three weeks ago, Eddie Uy of Richmond, British Columbia, did what not many big lottery winners would do.

He ate his breakfast, packed a lunch, as usual, and went to work at the Burnaby cardboard-box factory where he has been employed for the last 19 years.

Uy, 59, actually waited three weeks before letting British Columbia Lottery Corp. know he was the winner of the Aug. 3 jackpot, but he won't let it change his life.

"I'm still working," he told The Province on Wednesday after picking up his winnings.

"I won't retire until I'm 65 or 67."

Uy describes himself as a patient man.

He is single, lives with his brother and mother and hasn't made any immediate plans for a big vacation.

He plans to save most of the $7 million for his eventual retirement.

"I might buy a bigger house," he said.

Uy said he feels "excellent," and noted he was born in the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese calendar.

"It just so happens that this year is the Year of the Rabbit — that's my year," he said.

He likes going out to restaurants and enjoys watching movies.

"Life is so simple," Uy chuckled.

"If I retire right now, what about my health?" he wondered.

"Maybe my health will go bad, or something like that. How would I be able to enjoy the $7 million?"

Uy, who bought the winning ticket at the Chevron gas station at No. 2 Road and Westminster Highway in Richmond, has played the same 6/49 numbers since coming to Canada from his native China in 1990 — 6, 17, 21, 28, 31, 38.

Asked how he planned to celebrate his great fortune with friends and family Wednesday night, Uy replied, "I have no idea.

"I have to go back to work tomorrow."

Uy was joined at Lottery Corp. headquarters by a group of 22 workmates from Rempel Bros. Concrete in Langley, who split a $3.3 million jackpot in the Lotto 6/49 draw on Aug. 24.

Each member of the syndicate received a cheque for $149,000.

Wayne Vander-Hoek is the organizer of his group lottery pool.

"I got a call telling me that our group had won," said Vander-Hoek. "I didn't know whether to laugh or start crying."

Their winning ticket was bought at Red Apple Grocery on Marshal Road in Abbotsford.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Thanks to Starr920 for the tip.

The Province, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

TheRightPrice

I'm really happy that he won, but 21 years? wow, well he won and that's what's important.

 

If I'm ever  in Canada I'll play for sure,I love that they don't get taxed.

BaristaExpress's avatarBaristaExpress

Quote: Originally posted by TheRightPrice on Sep 9, 2011

I'm really happy that he won, but 21 years? wow, well he won and that's what's important.

 

If I'm ever  in Canada I'll play for sure,I love that they don't get taxed.

FYI they will too tax you on your win!!!! Canada has a tax treaty with the US and they will collect the tax for your UNCLE SAM before you get paid!!!!!

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

If you want things to be the same ................... WHY PLAY ?!  Crazy

Starr920

Congratulations Mr. Uy,

You played the same numbers for 21 years and

now, after hitting it big, nothing will change - somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.

Maybe he's still in shock and doesn't realize he is now a rich man. 

His name, face, and place of work are now public knowledge - the scam artists will come a knocking.

Family and so-called friends will come outta the woodwork and co-workers will resent his work ethic.

IMO it's time to move away, start over and, good grief, join a gym if he's so worried about his health Lep

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by dpoly1 on Sep 9, 2011

If you want things to be the same ................... WHY PLAY ?!  Crazy

I Agree! When I win, I will change a lot of things around me.  I will take care of my wife so I can enjoy my millions.  I would sell my house and rent a modest townhouse/condo in the US.  I would buy some property and build houses overseas (locations to not be disclosed for privacy considerations).  I would buy a few nice luxury cars, fly first-class all the time, stay in the best accommodations, and wear nice clothes.  Traveling would become my "life's work".  I would be continually working vacations.  Vacations would be my work :D . I would still work in my current line of work, but it would become more of a "side hobby" instead of all consuming.  Yes, winning the lottery would drastically change my life, and I wouldn't be ashamed to let the world know it (well maybe not by allowing them to put a face to my name, but my story would be publicized).  Now it is time for this legal citizen of the USA to win the MM jackpot...or even the Ohio lottery jackpot. I am not choosy.  Why I would welcome winning the Ohio Classic Lotto as it would require me to buy a plane ticket to travel to Ohio; I would checkin to a really nice hotel and rent a luxury rental car; get a good night's rest and then go to the lottery headquarters first thing the next morning.  Of course, this would be after I had consulted with my legal team and made arrangements for the receipt of these funds.  I would address updating my trusts and will.  So yes my life would change...all for the better.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Mr Uy is apparently a simple man who likes his job and his simple life.

I hope people will allow him to continue living his simple life the way he wants, unbothered.

But somehow I doubt that they will.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

I think it is a bit selfish to keep your job after winning such a jackpot when so many people are looking for a work.

It would be nice to give the unemployed people a chance to earn a living. I know I'd be more than willing to resign from my job if I hit.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Sep 9, 2011

I think it is a bit selfish to keep your job after winning such a jackpot when so many people are looking for a work.

It would be nice to give the unemployed people a chance to earn a living. I know I'd be more than willing to resign from my job if I hit.

When you have $7,000,000 you can pretty much do anything you want.

He wants to work cuz that's what he enjoys.

I don't think he owes anybody his job anymore than he owes them some of his money just because he's now rich.

Just my opinion.

dearsha

    have any one had a dream of  winning the lottery ?????????????????/  i have~ so iam going to keep playin so~ i can win  because i really, really want to win in jesus name amen/ if i dont the Lord is still goodStretchLover who want some of my money when i win???????????????????

kapla

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Sep 9, 2011

I think it is a bit selfish to keep your job after winning such a jackpot when so many people are looking for a work.

It would be nice to give the unemployed people a chance to earn a living. I know I'd be more than willing to resign from my job if I hit.

I Agree!I Agree!I Agree!I Agree!

Even better.  Quit his job so another person who needs it can have it.  Then start a company doing something you love or invest in a company that does somthing you love and REALLY enjoy life.  Oh and maybe by investing in the company you love they can HIRE a few more employees! 

The way I see it, TOO many people with this kind of money are doing NOTHING with it.  Instead of gambling, uh, I mean investing in the stock market - PUT your money to REAL USE.  Start a company or invest in one! That is one of the BEST 'Jobs Progams' we could have. 

US Flag  BUY AMERICAN!

kapla

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on Sep 9, 2011

When you have $7,000,000 you can pretty much do anything you want.

He wants to work cuz that's what he enjoys.

I don't think he owes anybody his job anymore than he owes them some of his money just because he's now rich.

Just my opinion.

You are also right, he does NOT OWE anyone his job, and has every right to keep working. 

I guess I just dont understand why he would do that (keep the job) if he now has the opportunity to do so much MORE than just his job.  There is too much that the world has to offer than work for someone else.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

Quote: Originally posted by kapla on Sep 9, 2011

You are also right, he does NOT OWE anyone his job, and has every right to keep working. 

I guess I just dont understand why he would do that (keep the job) if he now has the opportunity to do so much MORE than just his job.  There is too much that the world has to offer than work for someone else.

I agree, I wouldn't do it myself but to each his own.

I'd be out ramblin' and gamblin' but you can look at Mr Uy and see he ain't the ramblin' gamblin' type.

He just wants to maintain his simple lifestyle while having financial security and I hope he's able to do that.

naijaman

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on Sep 9, 2011

When you have $7,000,000 you can pretty much do anything you want.

He wants to work cuz that's what he enjoys.

I don't think he owes anybody his job anymore than he owes them some of his money just because he's now rich.

Just my opinion.

Agreed.

konane's avatarkonane

Quote: Originally posted by rdgrnr on Sep 9, 2011

When you have $7,000,000 you can pretty much do anything you want.

He wants to work cuz that's what he enjoys.

I don't think he owes anybody his job anymore than he owes them some of his money just because he's now rich.

Just my opinion.

I Agree!  I Agree!  I Agree! 

Big congratulations Eddie Uy, follow your heart and enjoy life to its fullest!  Party

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