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
Parker my deepest sympathy for you and your family
We will miss grandpa John and his inspiration
Grandpa Schnabel,what a remarkable man! I’m so sorry for the loss his family must be suffering at this time! He was an example of extraordinary human being. I would have considered it honor to have him as a son/brother/husband/father/grandfather/great-grandfather.
Grandpa John will be missed. He was loved by the fans and always made us smile. I didn’t even know until I turned on The Dirt tonight. I shed some tears at our loss. He shared his wisdom, love and devotion to his family with us, the viewers.
Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed. I hope you find comfort in knowing how much viewers loved him as well.
Parker so sorry to you and your family your grandpa was a blessing to know on the show such a nice gentleman you could tell the love in your family God bless you and you family great memories
Mike Hughes in Tx
I will miss Granpa John, he is very good person.
I always enjoyed seeing him when he was on the show and loved the excitement he had with Parker’s success. Their relationship was what every grandchild should have with their grandparent; one of teaching, guiding, friendship, and true love!
You could see the love for Parker and his family in his eyes, what a sweetheart !!!
My prayers for the family!!!
Sorry for your lost praying for you and your family everyone loved your grandpa a very special man was happy to see him on the show.God Bless.
My father was born the same year as your beloved grandpa. Daddy passed away in 1988, but seeing Grandpa John always reminded me of daddy. Thank you for sharing him with us. The season finale of Gold Rush will be something for your viewers to treasure. But, I’m sure you agree the memories of love and devotion between all of you is worth more than the biggest most productive mine. RIP Grandpa John. You will be remembered and missed.
we will miss him thank u for sharing him with us god bless our prays are with you
My thoughts & prayers are with u. He was such a delight; sharing his wisdom with Parker. Always upbeat, always positive. A true gentlemen .
My prayers r with u; I shed tears of sorrow; he meant that much.
Take care
Linda
we will miss him thank u for sharing him with us god bless
When I heard I cried like a baby. The only reason I enjoyed the show was watching the love and respect Parker exbited for his Grandpa. I know I will will miss him greatly! May You and your family find comfort in the great memories of Grandpa.
God Bless You
Alice
We loved him. Enjoyed seeing the love when Parker was with him. We will miss him!
Sorry for your loss. He was a great grandfather. You will have many treasured memories.
Parker,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, he was a great man
Parker our prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for y’alls loss. We have been blessed getting to know you your family and your grandfather. God Bless.
RIP Grandpa John. You were loved by many. Condolences to all John’s family and friends. Thank you so much for sharing him with all of us fans. <3
Parker you were blessed to have a grandpa like him but you were a blessing to him. God bless you and may God rest his soul. He was a great man. Loved by all of us.
Every time I saw him on the show I just wanted to Hug Him!! I loved to watch the obvious bond Grandpa and Parker had it made me miss my grandparents even more. I am so sorry for your loss. Word will never be able to express the love one has for a loving grand parent and I know his grand children will all miss him. But I believe he will be watching over each one keeping them save! Praying for your family during this time of grief!
Parker my heart and soul goes out to you and your family john was a wonderful man not only did he teach you how to mine gold he taught you the meaning of becoming a man god bless you and your family