West Seattle Blog…

Update: West Seattle Lotto winners’ rep picks up check

February 5, 2009 at 4:28 pm | In West Seattle news, West Seattle people | 20 Comments

As mentioned in our previous post, the representative for the group with the $6.8 million winning Lotto ticket sold at Admiral 7-11 (original WSB report here) has claimed the check. He declined an interview but the Washington State Lottery sent the photo above and this news release with info:

This past Monday was not just another typical Monday for the members of Josal Partners. While reading the morning paper over a cup of tea, they realized they had won the $6.8 million Lotto jackpot.

“Incredulity would sum up the reaction,” joked John Gose, the group’s managing partner. Gose, who spoke on behalf of Josal Partners, is an attorney and an ex-marine. The partners’ reactions were clearly incredulous.

“Lottery is a daydreaming game and daydreams change from day to day,” said Gose about why the group plays. Whatever their daydreams were that day, they are a reality now.

The winners, who were skeptical about their “incredulous” situation, were sure to check additional sources to confirm the win after initially seeing their numbers in the Seattle Times. “I’m not good with numbers!” joked Gose. So one of the partners took the ticket to a “very accurate” accountant, who instantly proclaimed, “No #@%$, you won!,” after giving the ticket a good look.

“The win has provided funds that would not have otherwise been available,” explained Gose. “The money will be going toward paying off debts and providing education for children and grandchildren.” Another member of the partners added there has also been some talk of shopping for a new truck.

The winners said that this was their first time experiencing a big Lottery win. The same can’t be said of the store that sold the ticket. The West Seattle 7-Eleven where the winning ticket was purchased has sold a big Lotto jackpot before. A Federal Way man won $11 million in 1994. As part of the Lottery’s retail program, this 7-11 will be receiving a retail bonus of $68,000.

Gose had some interesting logic to share for all potential Lottery winners out there about picking numbers, “A five is cuter than a three, and fours are different.” Keep that in mind next time you play.

20 Comments

1. i honestly hope that guy spends the bulk of his winnings on bow ties.

   Comment by brittany — February 5, 09 4:55 pm #

2. Sharing a house with two bow-tie fans, I couldn’t help but smile to see the photo – TR

   Comment by WSB — February 5, 09 5:00 pm #

3. He looks so happy about winning.

   Comment by OP — February 5, 09 5:06 pm #

4. May be his natural expression – check the photo on his law firm’s site (linked inline in the news release)
   http://www.klgates.com/professionals/detail.aspx?professional=3697
   Not just an “ex-Marine” as the lottery news release says, but a Korean War veteran and retired Marine Corps Reserve colonel. Sounds like he had great stories to tell even BEFORE he won a share of $6.8 million.

   Comment by WSB — February 5, 09 5:12 pm #

5. Good for him, I hope he has fun with the money!

   Comment by KSJ — February 5, 09 5:44 pm #

6. Greeeat!!! The rich get richer. Maybe he/they will donate some of or alot of it.

   Comment by glocson — February 5, 09 7:00 pm #

7. Damn! I need to play the lottery at my local 7-11 more often. Good luck to these people. Hope it truly helps them and others.

   Comment by Admiral Lady — February 5, 09 7:30 pm #

8. AWESOME!!!! Hope he donates some to Children’s Hospital!!

   Comment by AD — February 5, 09 7:46 pm #

9. Good for them! It’s fun to read and I am happy for them.

   Comment by happy — February 5, 09 8:41 pm #

10. Is he looking to adopt a 30 year old grandson? I’ll go fishing and carve wooden sticks with a pocket knife….

    Comment by glocson — February 5, 09 8:54 pm #

11. If I have that subdued look after I win the lotto smack me across the face! O.k…he’s a an ex-Marine and an attorney representing the “winners”…or probably a cool-faced “Pilot”.

    The “winners” said that this was their first time experiencing a big Lottery win.”

    Yet most of the winners have since come forward and reported having been struck by lightning more than once. Go figure.

    Comment by What The — February 5, 09 8:59 pm #

12. good for them! I’ll admit that I am VERY jealous… How much will my odds of winning increase if I actually buy a lottery ticket?

    Comment by BB — February 5, 09 10:12 pm #

13. The store gets a separate prize of $68,000 for selling the winning ticket? I don’t follow the logic in that.

    Comment by Alvis — February 5, 09 10:26 pm #

14. Just a retailer incentive, since selling lottery tickets isn’t free. Found a few links on the State Lottery website. Costs of selling lottery
    http://walottery.com/sections/Retailers/Default.aspx?Page=StartupCost

    benefits of selling … various commissions including this 1% if there’s a jackpot at your store
    http://walottery.com/sections/Retailers/Default.aspx?Page=IncreaseProfits

    Comment by WSB — February 5, 09 10:31 pm #

15. I LOVE the bow tie.

    Comment by ellenater — February 6, 09 11:12 am #

16. What a hilarious news release! Thanks for posting it.

    Comment by Keith — February 6, 09 1:24 pm #

17. Hopefully the local store is franchised, so the money stays local instead of going to 7-11.
    Now, is the lawyer just a spokesman, or a member of the cartel? Is he just a hired spokesman? How many members shared the ticket? Usually, Loto releases a little bit more about the winners…

    Comment by brandon — February 6, 09 2:58 pm #

18. Congrats Dad

    Comment by mpgb — February 6, 09 5:46 pm #

19. wtg dad. Have fun with it

    Comment by Kathi — February 6, 09 8:27 pm #

20. Tucker Carlson wants his tie back.

    Comment by Cami — February 6, 09 10:02 pm #

Sorry, after 3 weeks of commentlessness, comment time is over.