Canadian man plans to commemorate late wife with $70M lotto win

WCLC

An Alberta man has plans to commemorate his late wife and take care of his community after winning an enormous $70 million Lotto Max prize.

Brian Hoover went through a range of emotions after discovering he won the massive windfall on the January 16 draw. He purchased his winning ticket from Ace Hardware in Beaverlodge, Alberta, about 490 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

Though the money in the bank is nice, it represents the fulfillment of a dream he shared with his late wife and will allow him to honour her legacy.

For the Hoovers, winning the lottery was more than just a chance at an enormous payday. It was a long-time inside joke and a shared aspiration that fueled many of their hopes and dreams.

Hoover’s wife passed away before they could realize this dream together. After winning the largest Lotto Max prize available in Canada, however, the lucky winner said he’ll use this opportunity to commemorate her.

“This is bittersweet for me,” Hoover shared at his prize claim interview. “We always talked about what we would do if we won the lottery. I’m determined to bring some of those ideas to life in her memory.”

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The Beaverlodge local said he is in the beginning stages of planning and hopes to also provide for his community.

“We had three children, and my wife was heavily invested in their lives,” he explained. “She liked to take them to parks, any park. My first thought is to have a park named for her.”

Hoover said he is also looking into sponsoring some programs for local schools, adding that’s just the beginning.

“These are all such fresh thoughts,” he said. “I want to make sure I do good things. Using this money and investing in her memory is a way to share this win with her.”

Though Hoover’s focus is on honouring his wife, he is also thinking of his children and family.

“I want to help my family – I’m going to pay off a couple of mortgages and give some money to a few people,” he explained. “After that, I’m going to look at something for myself.”

“I have a friend who lives in the Yukon who’s been asking me to visit. I’m thinking it would be nice to drive up in a classy motorhome,” he laughed.

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