In The News

Another One From Aberdeen

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It looks as though Aberdeen Scotland has another Surprise Millionaire to boast about. If you recall, last year we profiled Aberdeen resident Mrs. Jane Hutton and her amazing wealth-bCousins Ina Graham, Nessie Bruce, and Dorothy Coventry. Handoutuilding ability. This year, we can add Aberdeen’s own Agnes “Nessie” Bruce to the list.  The frugal and mild-mannered Mrs. Bruce who passed away in 2018, left a secret 1.3 million pound estate to be split between many worthwhile charities around Scotland.  According to relatives, Mrs. Bruce was a really nice woman who was fond of knitting, needlework, and travel. I’m sure her relatives are proud to know that the fortune left by this very sweet person will benefit many in the immediate community as well as Scotland as a whole. 

Another Nurse With a Prescription For Success!

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Deloris Kenner (2)The schools in Perham Minnesota are currently sharing in a $1 million bequest left to them by a retired nurse with only vague ties to the community.  Deloris “Dee” Barnack Kenner, a retired nurse who passed away in 2015 lived and worked in many places.  However, Perham Minnesota was not one of them. Other than records indicating that Barnack Kenner’s parents were buried in the area, the local schools are at a loss as to why they are the beneficiaries of such a wonderful gift.  That is not to say, however, that they are not thrilled! Ms. Barnack Kenner’s legacy will be put to good use assisting with the education of students in that community.  At present though, she remains a bit of a mystery.  I believe that is the way most of our Surprise Millionaires like it!

Ms. Barnack Kenner is not the first nurse we have profiled with a big heart and the ability to accumulate and maintain wealth, and she most probably won’t be the last!

Two From Down Under

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Pryors (2)The Australian National University was recently shocked to learn that they are the beneficiaries of a portion of the $22 million fortune amassed by a quiet and frugal couple.

Bruce and Jenny Pryor lived a quiet life and were known for their generous and humble natures. So it was very concerning to friends and family when they learned that both the Pryors were suffering from auto-immune disorders later in life. However, true to form, the Pryors bore these life-altering conditions with the same quite and humble demeanor which had become their trademark.

Unfortunately, both Bruce and Jenny lost their battle to their respective diseases in 2017. However, not long after it was discovered that the Pryors, in addition to being humble,  were also multi-millionaires who had left a $10 million bequest from their secret fortune to the Australian National University for the study of auto-immune disorders. Not to be outdone, the University of Sydney can boast of a $12 million bequest left by the Pryors as well.

Relatives relate that it was the wish of the Pryors to empower and give researchers the tools they need to find cures for auto-immune disorders.  Once again, we have a lasting legacy left by the Surprise Millionaires.

Early Financial Trailblazers

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Orville Rogers (2)It is interesting to note that long before there were company-sponsored 401k plans when most retirees relied upon social security and hopefully a company pension during their later years, our Surprise Millionaires were bucking the system taking it upon themselves to save and invest for retirement.  Today’s Surprise Millionaire is an excellent example of this truth.  Read about Orville Rogers who is enjoying his fourth decade of a comfortable retirement due to his early and consistent saving and investing.

A Better Life In The Ozarks

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I found this awesome video of a man who worked for 40 years at a Sears Department Store in the Missouri Ozarks.  By living a frugal lifestyle and investing wisely, he was able to leave a $1 million gift to benefit the surrounding communities.