Assat Aytnyakov is planning to enjoy the retired life after winning $13-million dollars!

The Cochrane man won the jackpot in the Aug. 9 LOTTO MAX draw. 

"It was a shock and a surprise," said Aytnyakov. "This money is absolutely life changing."

According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Aytnakov had told his wife that he had won "a huge amount" but he didn't tell his wife just how much money he had won for more than a month.

“She didn’t know much, just that it was a huge amount.”

Aytnyakov plans to share the money with his family and help fund his love of nature photography.

“I live in a beautiful place with lots of mountains and wildlife.”

He purchased the winning ticket at Shoppers Drug Mart on Fifth Avenue West in Cochrane.