N.B. Man Wins $50-Million Lotto Max Jackpot

A New Brunswick man is celebrating a $50-million Lotto Max win after claiming the jackpot from the November 6 draw.

Shaun Ryan of Dalhousie, N.B., purchased the winning ticket at the Circle K in Dalhousie. The win comes during Atlantic Lottery's 50th anniversary year.

After learning that a $50-million winning ticket had been sold in Restigouche County, Ryan initially resisted checking his ticket.

His wife and son both asked whether he had purchased a ticket and if he had checked it.

"My wife asked if I was going to go check it and I said, 'No, not yet. I want to keep the dream alive,'" Ryan said.

When he finally checked the ticket at home, he watched as each winning number matched.

"Boom, boom, boom," he recalled. "My heart was racing."

Ryan, who is already retired, says the winnings will allow his wife, Colette, to retire from teaching and enjoy travelling. He plans to spend more time at home with the family's dogs.

He also hopes to use the money to help his seven children and grandchildren build for the future and support organizations and initiatives in his community.

"There's a responsibility I feel toward the community and organizations that I want to be of service to and help them out in certain ways," Ryan said.

The retailer that sold the winning ticket will also benefit from the win, receiving a one per cent seller's prize worth $500,000.

"We're thrilled for Shaun and his family, and it's especially exciting to celebrate a $50-million winner during Atlantic Lottery's 50th anniversary year," said Atlantic Lottery President and CEO Dallas McCready.