Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 23/01) - Eugene Villeneuve thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he saw three cars on his scratch and win lottery ticket.

He examined the ticket again in better light in another room.

Fort Simpson's Eugene Villeneuve with a lucky penny and a copy of his $30,000 winning scratch ticket. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"The first time I looked I didn't believe it," he said. "I was amazed. I never thought it would happen to me."

He had purchased the ticket at the Nahanni Inn on the evening of Nov. 12.

"I buy them every chance I get," he said, but added that he almost decided not to buy any last Monday. "But I had 20 bucks, so I figured I'd spend it."

He returned to the Nahanni Inn that evening to have the ticket verified. Sure enough, it was a winner. The $2 ticket entitled him to a 2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 or $30,000 in cash.

"Even the people working there that night couldn't believe it. They all had to come and take a look," he said, smiling.

Villeneuve filled out the personal information on the back of the ticket and left it in the hotel's safe until the next morning.

"It was kind of hard to sleep that night," he admitted.

On Tuesday the ticket was sent to the Lottery Corporation. He was told it would take about 10 days before they would call to ask if he wants the vehicle or the cash.

Villeneuve has won $10 here and there over the years, but never a prize of such value. Because the car isn't suited for Deh Cho roads, he has opted for the $30,000.

"It couldn't happen at a better time, so close to Christmas," he said.

He's planning to help his father, Edward, pay off some bills, he said. He also has his eye on a pick-up truck.

"That's what I've always wanted, a Supercab," he said.

By the way, he hasn't retired from his job in the P.R. Contracting Garage.

"I'm still working," he said as he replaced a tire.