Gary Westhaver, pictured on the left, celebrated a $15-million lottery win. CTV
A retired City of Miramichi worker, Gary Westhaver, is proving that kindness can come in millions. The 67-year-old from St. Margarets, New Brunswick, recently won a $15-million Lotto Max jackpot and says his biggest goal is to use his new fortune to support people around him.
Gary, who has played the lottery for years, bought the winning ticket at Deals 4 U in Miramichi for the September 30 draw. He checked his ticket on the Atlantic Lottery app and could hardly believe what he saw.
“When I was told it was $15 million, my stomach started to turn and my head started going,” Gary said. “I wasn’t positive. I don’t even know if I will be when I look at my bank account and they tell me there’s $15 million in there.”
Giving Back Comes First
Despite the huge win, Gary doesn’t plan to change his lifestyle. Instead, he wants to make life easier for others. “Everybody needs, at times in their life, a bit of help. This is what we’re going to do,” he said. “Any money we donate or give to anybody is going to be anonymous. I don’t need a pat on the back for helping somebody.”
Gary’s focus is simple—give quietly and give where it’s needed most. He and his wife, Sharon, plan to help their two grandchildren, support local charities, and possibly buy a new home. But even with millions in the bank, Gary says laughter and a positive attitude matter more than money. “We just want to stay what we are, our lives can’t change,” he said. “We have fun whatever we do. Laughter and humour is, I think, the most important thing in anybody’s life.”
Sharon Shares His Vision
Sharon, his wife, shares his outlook. Holding their giant cheque, she smiled and admitted that the win still doesn’t feel real. “It’s so much money,” she said. “I feel good, I’m glad we had the windfall. We are going to help some people, but other than that it’s just been surreal.”
She insists that, for them, life goes on much as before. “There’s just a few more zeroes in my bank account. That’s it,” she laughed.
Staying True to Their Roots
Gary and Sharon have lived a modest life in New Brunswick and say they have no plans to move far or change who they are. Their friends describe them as down-to-earth people who value community and kindness over luxury.
While many lottery winners dream of vacations, fancy cars, or new lifestyles, Gary’s focus remains firmly on helping others. His quiet generosity and humble nature reflect his belief that wealth should mean something more than comfort—it should make a difference.
