Laid off Oregon man wins $1 million

Jan 16, 2013, 9:21 am (54 comments)

Mega Millions

By Todd Northrop

MERLIN, Ore. — Laid off since May, Riley Gunn was driving his wife and kids home to their cabin in the woods in southern Oregon after registering for computer programming classes, when he pulled off the freeway to buy corn dogs for the kids.

Knowing his wife would not approve because money was so tight, but feeling he was sure to win, Gunn said Tuesday he bought an $8 lottery ticket, letting the machine pick the numbers.

When he checked online, he found he had won $1 million.

Riley won second prize in the Mega Millions game, but because he had also purchased the Megaplier option for an extra $1 per play, his prize was increased from $250,000 to $1 million.

When Riley checked his winning ticket, he couldn't believe his eyes. "I saw that I had matched all five numbers, but not the Mega Ball," he said.

He woke up his wife, Misti, with the news that they were $250,000 winners. When Riley remembered that he had chosen the Megaplier option, and the Megaplier multiplier "4" was drawn, he realized he was a $1 million winner.

"I just couldn't believe it. Misti and I were both shocked, and really excited."

Gunn said after collecting his $670,000 in winnings, after taxes, he gave a tenth to his church, bought a pair of new Jeeps, and put in a bid on a house. He plans to use the rest to start his own software business.

Riley purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket at Lil' Pantry Market & Deli in Merlin, Oregon, for the January 4 drawing. 

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

Thanks to truesee for the tip.

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

670k goes a LONG WAY in Oregon!

 

Congrats to the family.

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Kudos to the Gunn family.

A nice way to start the New Year....!

Set4life's avatarSet4life

Wow that is great news!! Congrats to them.Embarassed

weshar75's avatarweshar75

Congrats to the couple on their big win!  I am hoping my million is coming soon too!-weshar75

US Flag

dk1421's avatardk1421

So happy for them!!! 

I've been looking for a job over a year, so I hope I'm next!

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Congratulations!  What a sweet story!

hearsetrax's avatarhearsetrax

Cheers

noise-gate

Hope your wish comes true..

Aint nothing like having matching jeeps after a win its the new status symbol of happiness.
Enjoy your winnings. .

Ronnie316

Nice win....... And nice looking family.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Congratulations, Gunns, on your tidy MM Lottery jackpot win.  Good thing, Riley, you were smart enough to remember to buy the "multiplier" option. 

It's great to see a person without much money left win a high jackpot!!!  I'm glad Riley Gunn bought into the MM if he felt strong conviction to do so that day.  However, I'm simply confused why he thought it was okay to buy more than one 'draw line' if his family was in dire financial straights.  Perhaps, the trick to winning is in a "gambling mindset" which hasn't admitted financial poverty.

Group Hug

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Thats got to be the 10th time i read someone hitting by spending $8. LOL I'll bet the corndogs were an excuse to buy lottery tickets.

Dynomitemike

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people.

They are giving 10% to the Church, bought 2 Jeeps, made a bid on a house, and is starting a computer softwear business. Good Choises; Good for them. CONGRADULATIONS.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Congrats to the familyThumbs Up, i'm gonna get me a cabin in the woods Dance

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by Dynomitemike on Jan 16, 2013

Sometimes Lady Luck does pick the right people.

They are giving 10% to the Church, bought 2 Jeeps, made a bid on a house, and is starting a computer softwear business. Good Choises; Good for them. CONGRADULATIONS.

I Agree! Lady Luck

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Congrats, but watch out for the parasites that will want "their fair share"

ressuccess's avatarressuccess

Wow. I didn't know that person won $1 million dollars despite being laid off.

Seattlejohn

Congratulations to them!  Hope they use it wisely; DO NOT END UP ON "CURSE OF THE LOTTERY"!!!

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by weshar75 on Jan 16, 2013

Congrats to the couple on their big win!  I am hoping my million is coming soon too!-weshar75

US Flag

you should take a road trip down to the Lil' Pantry Market & Deli in Merlin, maybe that store is lucky LOL

HoLeeKau's avatarHoLeeKau

He was coming home from registering for a computer programming class, and now he's starting his own software business?  I don't know anything about computers, but I'd think you'd have to know programming to have a successful software business.  No?

whiteballz's avatarwhiteballz

Quote: Originally posted by ressuccess on Jan 16, 2013

Wow. I didn't know that person won $1 million dollars despite being laid off.

all sorts of people win, from bums and hobos to doctors and hedge fund managers.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Jan 16, 2013

670k goes a LONG WAY in Oregon!

 

Congrats to the family.

I disagree.  Although it is a beautiful state, housing isn't cheap.  Of course I am very happy for the family, and it was very thoughtful of them to give to their church, but they really need to slow down.   Deduct the 10% tithe and the 2 Jeeps, and now they have about $550,000.   So now they need a home.

Yes, I would love to win $1 million.  Still, if someone gave me a check for over $600,000 tomorrow I wouldn't go out and buy a new Jeep (2 of them!) right away.  I still have my 2006 Camry, and it's running just fine.  I might, however, splurge for some detailing since it's ready for a good wax job.  We can't believe every word we read in the paper, but one article said they were so broke, they had to borrow money for gas to get to the Lottery. To me that means their credit cards were maxed out (or canceled)  But he still had an extra $16 to gamble on lottery tickets?  Boy, is he lucky!  This sure sends a message that, even if you are living off of your relatives and don't have enough to pay for gas, take a chance and blow $16 on the lottery and you might win $1 million.  On the one hand, it's one of the most heartwarming stories I've read lately.  On the other, it sends the wrong message. 

Well, he's a very luck man.  I hope the family enjoys good health and has a bright future.  However, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd predict the money will all be gone in 5 years.

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 16, 2013

I disagree.  Although it is a beautiful state, housing isn't cheap.  Of course I am very happy for the family, and it was very thoughtful of them to give to their church, but they really need to slow down.   Deduct the 10% tithe and the 2 Jeeps, and now they have about $550,000.   So now they need a home.

Yes, I would love to win $1 million.  Still, if someone gave me a check for over $600,000 tomorrow I wouldn't go out and buy a new Jeep (2 of them!) right away.  I still have my 2006 Camry, and it's running just fine.  I might, however, splurge for some detailing since it's ready for a good wax job.  We can't believe every word we read in the paper, but one article said they were so broke, they had to borrow money for gas to get to the Lottery. To me that means their credit cards were maxed out (or canceled)  But he still had an extra $16 to gamble on lottery tickets?  Boy, is he lucky!  This sure sends a message that, even if you are living off of your relatives and don't have enough to pay for gas, take a chance and blow $16 on the lottery and you might win $1 million.  On the one hand, it's one of the most heartwarming stories I've read lately.  On the other, it sends the wrong message. 

Well, he's a very luck man.  I hope the family enjoys good health and has a bright future.  However, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd predict the money will all be gone in 5 years.

What article are you referring to? The one above or something else you read online? I read the article above a few times after seeing your response and a lot of those details are not there.

 

I was shocked that they were able to do all of those things which led to my remark and I congraulated them on their win. It's not my place to tell people how to spend their winfall although we all have a right to our opinions and some of what you mentioned makes perfect sense.

helpmewin's avatarhelpmewin

Quote: Originally posted by whiteballz on Jan 16, 2013

all sorts of people win, from bums and hobos to doctors and hedge fund managers.

No No categorizing people

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Jan 16, 2013

What article are you referring to? The one above or something else you read online? I read the article above a few times after seeing your response and a lot of those details are not there.

 

I was shocked that they were able to do all of those things which led to my remark and I congraulated them on their win. It's not my place to tell people how to spend their winfall although we all have a right to our opinions and some of what you mentioned makes perfect sense.

I am having trouble posting.  It might be my internet connection.  Anyway, sorry ...  I was trying to edit my last comment.  Apparently I read another article this morning before signing on, and it said they bid on a home in Calif.   

Also, please do not misread my post.  I said I was happy for them and was only responding to the comment that $670,000 goes a long way in Oregon.   I would be thrilled to win all that money.  I was only saying that after buying a home, furniture and paying what additional tax they might owe, they're not going to be wealthy, so they should slow down and be careful.

Original Bey's avatarOriginal Bey

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 16, 2013

I am having trouble posting.  It might be my internet connection.  Anyway, sorry ...  I was trying to edit my last comment.  Apparently I read another article this morning before signing on, and it said they bid on a home in Calif.   

Also, please do not misread my post.  I said I was happy for them and was only responding to the comment that $670,000 goes a long way in Oregon.   I would be thrilled to win all that money.  I was only saying that after buying a home, furniture and paying what additional tax they might owe, they're not going to be wealthy, so they should slow down and be careful.

I agree!

 

Even if they can purchase all of those items and survive tax season they would be "flat broke" as a best case scenario give their decision-making.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

I cannot think of a better outcome for an unemployed man playing the lottery. He seems like he loves taking big risks. Big risks = heavy losses or big rewards.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Quote: Originally posted by Original Bey on Jan 16, 2013

I agree!

 

Even if they can purchase all of those items and survive tax season they would be "flat broke" as a best case scenario give their decision-making.

Well, not necessarily flat broke, but starting a business isn't easy.  Often it takes years to make a profit.    Maybe they only want a modest home, and certainly anything will be better than a one room cabin in the woods for 4 people.  However, a home in Oregon or Calif will still average about $200,000 depending on the area.  Being close to retirement, I've done a lot of research.  Oregon has one of the highest personal tax rates in the country, up to 12%. The Oregon Lottery automatically deducts 25% for Federal and 8% for State.  However, depending on the winner's total income and deductions, it's possible they will owe more.

People say all sorts of things when they're excited.  As one poster said above, on the one hand he is talking about running his own software company, but on the other, it says he was taking courses in computer programming.   Still, there's nothing wrong with dreaming and making plans for your future.  However, there's an old expression my grandfather used to say.   The English translation is "Man plans, God laughs."

Again, more than $600,000 would be a lot of money to win and I'd be ecstatic.   I wasn't criticizing the winners, but simply stating that being prudent is the best way to handle a windfall.  Before the story even hit the news, they had already run out and bought 2 cars and bid on a home.

Artist77's avatarArtist77

What a nice family!

Artist77's avatarArtist77

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 16, 2013

Well, not necessarily flat broke, but starting a business isn't easy.  Often it takes years to make a profit.    Maybe they only want a modest home, and certainly anything will be better than a one room cabin in the woods for 4 people.  However, a home in Oregon or Calif will still average about $200,000 depending on the area.  Being close to retirement, I've done a lot of research.  Oregon has one of the highest personal tax rates in the country, up to 12%. The Oregon Lottery automatically deducts 25% for Federal and 8% for State.  However, depending on the winner's total income and deductions, it's possible they will owe more.

People say all sorts of things when they're excited.  As one poster said above, on the one hand he is talking about running his own software company, but on the other, it says he was taking courses in computer programming.   Still, there's nothing wrong with dreaming and making plans for your future.  However, there's an old expression my grandfather used to say.   The English translation is "Man plans, God laughs."

Again, more than $600,000 would be a lot of money to win and I'd be ecstatic.   I wasn't criticizing the winners, but simply stating that being prudent is the best way to handle a windfall.  Before the story even hit the news, they had already run out and bought 2 cars and bid on a home.

I agree.  90% of all new businesses fail so they need to take things slow. I hope they start a business with lower overhead like consulting.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Jan 16, 2013

I cannot think of a better outcome for an unemployed man playing the lottery. He seems like he loves taking big risks. Big risks = heavy losses or big rewards.

True and I wish him well.  Several years ago when I first posted on LP, a member (Time*Treat) kept telling people to invest their money in gold.  I think it was about $650 an ounce at that time.   It went up to $1900 last year and is now about $1675.   Had I done what he suggested (I didn't) I would have made about 150% in 5 years, but a financial planner said "No, gold is too risky!"   However, I don't have young children to feed.

One of the best quotes I ever read about security in life was said by Helen Keller. 

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.  Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

HoLeeKau's avatarHoLeeKau

Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 16, 2013

I disagree.  Although it is a beautiful state, housing isn't cheap.  Of course I am very happy for the family, and it was very thoughtful of them to give to their church, but they really need to slow down.   Deduct the 10% tithe and the 2 Jeeps, and now they have about $550,000.   So now they need a home.

Yes, I would love to win $1 million.  Still, if someone gave me a check for over $600,000 tomorrow I wouldn't go out and buy a new Jeep (2 of them!) right away.  I still have my 2006 Camry, and it's running just fine.  I might, however, splurge for some detailing since it's ready for a good wax job.  We can't believe every word we read in the paper, but one article said they were so broke, they had to borrow money for gas to get to the Lottery. To me that means their credit cards were maxed out (or canceled)  But he still had an extra $16 to gamble on lottery tickets?  Boy, is he lucky!  This sure sends a message that, even if you are living off of your relatives and don't have enough to pay for gas, take a chance and blow $16 on the lottery and you might win $1 million.  On the one hand, it's one of the most heartwarming stories I've read lately.  On the other, it sends the wrong message. 

Well, he's a very luck man.  I hope the family enjoys good health and has a bright future.  However, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd predict the money will all be gone in 5 years.

Well, he's a very luck man.  I hope the family enjoys good health and has a bright future.  However, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd predict the money will all be gone in 5 years.

I'm afraid I have to agree with your prediction and raise you a couple years.  He sounds like a bit of a loose cannon who might not even be able to pay the remainder of his taxes come next April.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

Well, perhaps rush purchases are rather necessary: 2 reliable jeeps (though w/higher auto insurance), programming courses (to find out if able to understand and turn into a consulting + programming business somehow), probably a bigger 1 month rental apt. space for their family of 5, a 'cash purchase' 4 bedroom $200K or so sturdy house, and some large appliances upon movein.

After probably necessary above purchases, with remainder $310K or so, after investing 2/3rds, I hope that Mrs. Gunn gets or keeps a full-time job quickly.  Mr. Gunn should probably focus on buying $250K personal life insurance policy, daily spending 8 hours going to his programming classes and/or studying; which will help him understand if he'd enjoy/be able to do programming or hire programming experienced employee for 8 or so hours per day M-Sa.  Meanwhile, might not be a good idea to put their three children into private schools and/or several extracurricular activities.

This exciting $310K remainder might be just enough money if earmarked to only spend the interest/dividends (after capital gains taxes set-aside) each month for several decades.

Snowman

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Congratulations to the Gunn family......Thumbs Up

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by HoLeeKau on Jan 16, 2013

He was coming home from registering for a computer programming class, and now he's starting his own software business?  I don't know anything about computers, but I'd think you'd have to know programming to have a successful software business.  No?

Yes, that's why he's taking programming classes right now.

 

He was a project manager at a telecommunications company and his wife was a customer service

representative for a software contractor.

 

Perhaps he picked up a couple things that led him into wanting to start a software business.

According to the Yahoo article he's had ideas for software for a while now.

 

People change careers all the time, and some change to one that's has nothing do to with

their previous career and end up being real success story.

Coin Toss's avatarCoin Toss

Quote: Originally posted by RedStang on Jan 16, 2013

Thats got to be the 10th time i read someone hitting by spending $8. LOL I'll bet the corndogs were an excuse to buy lottery tickets.

Thid is from Glynis McCants, "The Numbers Lady"

The number 8  encourages financial security. I have had many clients put an 8 in their wallet, and just leave it in there. Next thing you know, they get a check out of the blue that they were not expecting, or they get a surprise promotion.

The bottom line is that it does increase the prosperity in their life. I suggest you print out or write the number 8 on a piece of paper, put it in your wallet, and forget about it.You might want to put an 8 up on the wall where you pay your bills. 

You are simply letting the universe know that you are ready for more financial prosperity in your life.I have had hundreds of emails from people telling their story of financial success by doing this. If you want to speed up the process, I suggest you start saying the following affirmation: "I pay my bills with ease, and I always have extra money".

Repeat these words no less than 15 minutes a day, AND YOU WILL GET RESULTS

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Quote: Originally posted by dpoly1 on Jan 16, 2013

Congrats, but watch out for the parasites that will want "their fair share"

I Agree!Those parasites include the President, the Senate majority leader, and Mrs. "We've got to pass it to see what's in it (ACA).

golfer1960's avatargolfer1960

Hmmm...another quick pick! I believe someone on LP said that QP's never win!

Knowing his wife would not approve because money was so tight, but feeling he was sure to win, Gunn said Tuesday he bought an $8 lottery ticket, letting the machine pick the numbers.

Nikkicute's avatarNikkicute

Quote: Originally posted by golfer1960 on Jan 17, 2013

Hmmm...another quick pick! I believe someone on LP said that QP's never win!

Knowing his wife would not approve because money was so tight, but feeling he was sure to win, Gunn said Tuesday he bought an $8 lottery ticket, letting the machine pick the numbers.

As I said in another thread some say Quick Picks are for lazy players but

there sure are a lot of "lazy" players winning!! lol

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Jan 16, 2013

Yes, that's why he's taking programming classes right now.

 

He was a project manager at a telecommunications company and his wife was a customer service

representative for a software contractor.

 

Perhaps he picked up a couple things that led him into wanting to start a software business.

According to the Yahoo article he's had ideas for software for a while now.

 

People change careers all the time, and some change to one that's has nothing do to with

their previous career and end up being real success story.

And sometimes end up as a failure.................

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by Nikkicute on Jan 17, 2013

As I said in another thread some say Quick Picks are for lazy players but

there sure are a lot of "lazy" players winning!! lol

Only the government could create a "lazy winner"............ lol.

Ronnie316

Quote: Originally posted by golfer1960 on Jan 17, 2013

Hmmm...another quick pick! I believe someone on LP said that QP's never win!

Knowing his wife would not approve because money was so tight, but feeling he was sure to win, Gunn said Tuesday he bought an $8 lottery ticket, letting the machine pick the numbers.

I think they said QP players are never winners....................

haymaker's avatarhaymaker

Quote: Originally posted by HoLeeKau on Jan 16, 2013

Well, he's a very luck man.  I hope the family enjoys good health and has a bright future.  However, if I had to hazard a guess, I'd predict the money will all be gone in 5 years.

I'm afraid I have to agree with your prediction and raise you a couple years.  He sounds like a bit of a loose cannon who might not even be able to pay the remainder of his taxes come next April.

I agree, who really needs 2 new jeeps right of the bat ?

Don't mis-understand, it's his $ to do as he wishes, but it's not that much.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Congratulations to the lucky winner. His story sends out a gleamer of hope for others in similar situations. For every winner like him there are probably a million others who spent a portion of what little they had left in their budget on lottery tickets. 99.99% of the time the results aren't quite life changing like Mr Gunn. This gentleman definitely needs to sit down with a financial advisor to figure out a game plan for his funds before it all disappears.

justxploring's avatarjustxploring

RE:  The QP debate

Quick picks are just numbers.  When you play any game, numbers are chosen.  Period.  The odds don't change whether you pick them or a computer picks them.  Quick picks win so frequently because more than 75% of all tickets sold are quick picks.  For games like PB and MM it is probably higher than other games.  Most people I know who play pick-3 and pick-4 games usually choose their own numbers.  However, I've stood in many lines when the player in front of me said to the clerk "Give me 2 tickets for tonight." Half of them don't even say Powerball or Lotto.  Sometimes I hear the clerk ask and the player doesn't even know.   "You know, the one with the big jackpot."   Even regular players who fill out cards (like me) will add a quick pick or 2 from time to time.

After winning, people always say "I just had a feeling."   I mean, each time you buy tickets, don't you have a feeling you'll win?  Why else would you buy them in the first place? In this case, the man was very, very lucky.  When I hear that the winner just had "One of those feelings," I chuckle, since losers never say "I had a feeling I was going to lose."

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