Now that’s some pay dirt – turning 96! Gold Rush’s Grandpa John Schnabel is the grandpa everyone would love to have. He’s a simple man with a heart of gold and a mountain of wisdom. Grandpa John has been sharing his unconditional love and gold mining expertise (he’s really a life coach) with his grandson Parker Schnabel on Discovery Channel’s hit series Gold Rush, now in its sixth season. On Thursday, Feb. 11 Grandpa John turns 96.
Born and raised in Kansas, John Schnabel packed his bags and headed north to Haines, Alaska, at just 19 years of age to join his father at making a go in the saw milling industry. He wasn’t there long before he turned his attention to serving his country during World War II, where he was in the Air Corps. After the war he returned to Haines where he purchased a mill and then later opened a hardware store. He even served as mayor of Haines. Not exactly sure when he officially started mining but he bought his first mine at age 68 — Big Nugget — and it was there that he taught Parker and Parker’s brother Payton to prospect, mine and handle all of the equipment.
When it comes to reality TV these days there are few characters who you genuinely really care for in an endearing way, Grandpa John is one of them. He’s a gentle man who has shared his optimism and appreciation of hard work, crediting his longevity and quality of life to having a positive attitude. How’s that for a role model, kids!
“Optimism is the first ingredient that will allow you to succeed,” Grandpa John shares in a Q&A segment of Gold Rush. “Optimism gives you the strength to face difficulties otherwise you would just lay down and quit. I think you have to enjoy what you are doing and frankly that is almost as important as anything else — if you don’t enjoy your work you’re in the wrong place and you need to get out of that position.”
Discovery Network reps asked Grandpa John what he would do if he could go back 50 years and choose to do something different. He told them: “It’s a thought I’ve never entertained for the simple reason that I am pleased with what I did. I’ve raised a beautiful family, I’ve helped a lot of people overcome their difficulties, I’ve tried my best to be a contributor to others — never to ask them to give something to me. If they want to give me something, I want to feel I’ve earned it. Because whether it’s their time or their help, I have to feel I’ve earned it. Or I don’t think I have done the right thing.”
What a gratifying life to have no regrets or do-over wishes. Hats off to Grandpa John. Happy 96th! XOXO from your Channel Guide Magazine friends.
Grandpa John set a example that all should emulate! He was a beloved grandpa to all. He practiced true Christian values ( faith, hope and love). He inspired many through his sound leadership. We mourn with you Parker and family. He was and is a very special grandpa, he had a heart of goal that he shared. PARKER GOD BLESS YOU, AND Grandpa John.
Grandpa John was such smart, kind and decent human being. My husband Tom loved watching John and Parker together, he would tear up Because John reminded him of his grandpa. You knew the love he had for his grandsons, Payson and Parker, as it was in his whole being. He lived a long life and did many things. The most special thing was John’ s love for his family. God bless you all. Paula and Tom Elsken
A true American. A true inspiration. A true hero.. This isn’t about being star struck either. He had more empathy and compassion than most people I have met. Sad day. He lived a good life and he will be missed.. RIP Grandpa John
Parker, so sorry for your grandpa’s passing. Brought tears to my eyes, and an ache in my heart. Prayers have been sent. Best of wishes from here forth.
R.I.P John our thoughts and.Prayers to your family, Loved watching when you were on ,fly high Angel!!!
So sorry to hear if Grandpa’s passing. We thank you for sharing him with us and allowing us a chance to see what truly great men are made of. I can only imagine he he left us all trying to be more like him- patient, optimistic, wise , kind and honest. He unconditionally loved and we pray your family will be forever comforted with his wonderful
memories. Parker you have been blessed with a role model that you can aspire to…. Sincerely, in Christ
Dear Schnabel Family,
Thank you for sharing Grandpa with us! What an amazing man! It was obvious that he was full of grace, humility, and kindness. My heart would melt every time I saw him and how his eyes would shine whenever he saw Parker. We will miss him and I can imagine the hole in your family. May God flood your mind with many happy memories that last a lifetime.
R.I.P.
Dear Schnable Family. Please know how wonderful it was to meet Grandpa. I think many folks fell in love with him and his wonderful philosophy of life. He became “our” grandpa. Sincere sympathies to you all, and thank you for allowing us to meet this loving and caring man. RIP Grandpa Schnable.
So sorry for Johns passing,he was so caring & beams when he seen Parker.He was admired by everyone.I will miss seeing him on Gold Rush.My thoughts and prayers goes to the family.RIP Grandpa John.
Dear Schnabel family, we want to say we so sorry about your prise treasure passing!! Grandpa Schnabel!! Rest in peace !! Thank you for the laughter and stories you told us all out here in TV land… May you see lots of gold in heaven!!! They’ll love you !! I know we do!!!! And I want to thank you Parker for sharing your grandpa with us!!! We all feel your pain, but he’s with peace now!!!!!!
I feel deeply sorry for the families loss! I know we only saw parts of who he was, but it was enough for most of us to have a special place in our hearts for this kind and generous man! I don’t know if Parker will ever see this, and that’s OK, but I’d want him to know that there are millions of us empathizing with you during your loss.
Since I’ve lost my mother in 2003 so I can sympathize with your father. I am a 52 yr old mother and grandmother and I can only port that I’m half as good at it as your grandpa was. All of us are here for you Parker, if you ever need us for anything that’s within our abilities just say the words on tv and your be surprised how many of us would be there for you! God bless you and your family during this time of loss and in everything you do.
I’m so sorry for your loss I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers
To the Schnabel family I sincerely send my prayers to you. I want to thank you parker for sharing your greatest treasure with us what an honor to see a small glimpse of such a great man’s life. My God give your family strength an comfort during this terrible time of separation. We will miss Grandpa John Greatly!! Thank you and your family for sharing him with us! Sincerely In Christ William
RIP Grandpa. A wise man and a great human. We’ll miss you. Deepest sympathy to Parker and his family. Where can we send flowers or charitable donations?
Best wishes to you and your family Parker….Grandpa John is still with us….as are all good entities. What a great person.
Rip grampa John our thoughts and prayers go out to parker and his family. We will miss seeing grampa John on gold rush from Tony and Cathy Phillips from Chicago
So sorry for are lost for are grampa he was like apart of are family too are greatits condollions
“greatits condollions”? What in the world is that ?!?!
He’s so awesome!!!
I don’t miss the show. I think Grandpa John is a sweetheart, I admire the relationship between him and Parker, I love seeing him on the show. I hope Parker makes his goal this season and puts Todd in his place. I don’t much care for Todd’s attitude, he acts pretty much like a real jerk. About the same as Tony. Go Parker!!! Happy Birthday Grandpa John!!!
BIG WISHES for a wonderful birthday Grandpa John !!!!!!! You are loved by everyone that see the show. Sue