Gold Rush fans around the world mourn the loss of the beloved John Schnabel. Grandpa John died this morning. Parker Schnabel took to Twitter to thank fans for their condolences, stating: “Thank you all for the kind words. Grandpa John lived a great life and was one of a kind. I am glad the world got to see an amazin
g man.”
Discovery provided the following statement from the Schnabel family: “We couldn’t have asked for a better father, grandfather and overall family man. He was a true legend and we appreciate all of your love and support as we celebrate his wonderful life.”
Grandpa John shared his gold mining expertise with his grandson Parker Schnabel on Discovery Channel’s hit series Gold Rush for six seasons. He just recently celebrated his 96th birthday on Feb. 11.
When we talked to Parker earlier this month just before the season finale, which he won, we asked him what Grandpa John had to say about his sixth season. “He was stoked. Actually, we were just down for his birthday. We had a great time. He’s 96 now.”
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.
He was a fabulous mentor, grandfather and TV personality people came to love. R.I.P.
Images Credit: Discovery Channel
Sadness is a word often used a moment ,but joy is what he brought to this world,and as he lives in you Parker continue his legacy with joy in your heart,god bless and good luck?
We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed seeing grandpa on the show. He was such a nice kind and gentle man. What a blessing it was for Parker and everyone else to have had him around.
So sad. He was such and amazing man. I wish more people would treat his children and the world like he did. Never negative always positive. Nothing scripted in his life. Not in the show nor in his actions. I have great respect for the man. He lived it LARGE. Sad day for all of us Americans. My thoughts, prayers and blessing go to the Schnabel family and to the rest of the free world we know as the United Stares of America.
God Bless us all!!!
God bless
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Grandpa John was the soul of the show…. Who didn’t love every scene with him?
Dear Parker and family,
I’ve just learned of Grampa Schnabels’ passinh. I am so sorry for the loss to your family and the world. He will be truly missed.
Parker, your Grandpa was so proud of you. Such love he had for you. I loved looking at the show when he was on, Loved that smile. God’s blessing on you family.
your grandfather will be missed stay strong with what he taught you he reminds me and the relationship with my grandfather funny,smart and very loving you had a lot of time with him but still we wanted more like me RIP grandpa
This is so heartbreaking to hear for Grandpa’s family …the Gold Rush family and FANS…a great show that has created memories to last a lifetime. Will miss watching a sweet man passing on life’s lessons.
Sorry to hear Grandpa passed away. He was a great man. To the Schabel
Family my heart goes out to you all.
I think I “Loved Grandpa Schnabel”! The Joy I had watching the Gild Rush was seeing Parker grow in business & personally & mostly the love they shared!
Parker thank you for sharing your GP Schnabel with us!!
May god bless each and every one of you at this most difficult time. Parker, your grandpa was my Hero!! Know now that Heaven just got
a little bit brighter. We will never forget “GRAMPA JOHN”
We Love You All ❤️
Look up the word Grandpa in the dictionary and there is a photo of Grandoa John.
What a man with a lot of love in his heart!! Parker, how lucky you were to have him in your life!! Condolences to you and your family!!
Randy and Janet Broin
Duluth, Minnesota
Sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing him on the show. Everyone could see the love you both shared for each other. God Bless Your Family
Class!!! The Grandpa we would all love to have. Too see the love he has for Parker was so real and so true! Grandpa will forever live on in our hearts❤️
Keep true to your grandfather’s values and ideas. May the Lord Bless you and keep you. Gratulations on beating Tod H! 4000 oz next season!!!!!
So sorry to hear about grandpa John. My husband and I were just talking about how much Parker would miss him if something happened. Parker always looked happy when grandpa was around. My heart goes out to the family.
Natures first green is gold,the hardest hue to hold,early leafs a flower,but only so an hour,the leaf subsides its leaf,so Eden sank to greef,so down gos down to day,nothing gold can stay…..✌rip grandpa john
Very sorry to hear that Grandpa passed away.He will truly be missed by all.
Sorry for your loss you can tell he was a wise man And lived a long life