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, God bless you and your family. Love your show and your grandfather made the show even better. It’s obvious you two loved one another deeply. So, sorry to hear of your loss.
I would like to thank the Hoffmans and Discovery Channel for creating the “Gold Rush” show! Because of you and your vision, Grandpa Schnabal and his amazing Alaskan family were found and shared with all of us. The show is about gold mining, but it’s more than that! It’s about dreaming big, it’s about getting back up and trying again when you fall down, it’s about rugged, brutal, exhausting work, setbacks and triumphs and about the love of family. I know the show didn’t start out to highlight this amazing family, they just stumbled upon them by accident like finding a big nugget of gold under a pile of dirt. Grandpa Schnabal was that shining nugget of gold, an old timer who purposed to make the best of every situation. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he worked hard, tried new things and passed a dogged love of adventure and love of family on to all of us. We are so saddened to hear of his passing. We have watched “Gold Rush” from the beginning and love all you guys but Grandpa Schnabal’s special love for his grandson Parker captured and warmed our hearts. Parker, we love you! Just like the Hoffmans and Tony Beet’s crew, you learn from your mistakes, make your changes and keep on going. You and the whole Gold Rush team are an inspiration to us all and we are truly grateful for the priviledge of meeting your family and for growing to know and love your grandpa. Thank you for being willing to be part of this amazing show and sharing your grandpa with us. Much love and blessings as you mourn the loss of this wonderful man. Dan and Liz Dawson and family in Maryland
Prayers for your family during this difficult time. He was a Grandfather to all of us who watched the show. His words of wisdom will forever live on!!!
Prayers and Peace be with You during this difficult time!!!!!!! We Love Your Grandpa John, What a Truly Wonderful Man!!!!!!! He set a good example for all who got the privilege of having him in their home each week he was on!!!!!!! Parker, what a Blessing to have him and the Love He showed You will always remain a part of You, no matter where You go in Life, He will always be by Your side!!!!!!!
To Parker and the Schnabel family,
Words can not express the sorrow of loss in your hearts right now. Grampa John was a very special man,not only to you and your family but to his TV family also.And looking back it is hard to find a picture of him when he was NOT smiling.He loved and was loved by all who had the honor of knowing him. Truely a profound man,who will not be forgitten. Thank you for letting us all share in his life.
R.I.P and God bless the family.
The Parker and Family God bless you and he was the best best Grandfather I love you guys we pray for you Parker and Family , Grandpa is in the beutiful place. Ana Kresha and Troy Kresha
Me and my husband watches that show every week we like your grandpa on their rest in peace
my grandpas all passed away before I ever got to know them; therefore no memories of them. You have a special gift of many good memories. We got a chance to know a little about your grandpa and gave my wife and I good memories too. I thank you for sharing your grandpa with us. I wish you and your family well and now you have a new goal; when your a grandpa someday to have some guidance on how to do that job well also.
Sorry to hear about your grandpa.He had a good long life.Just keep making him proud.
Sorry to hear about grandpa.he had a good life and a good grandson.live on youngster and make him proud of you.
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your friends.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers are with your family.
Condolences on the lost of GRANDPA JOHN.I HOPE TO SEE ON THOSE MACHINE NEXT SEASON.IN MEMORY OF GRANDPA JOHN .RIP AMERICA GRAND FATHER JOHN
To Parker and Family . Sending sincere condolences on the loss of such a dear grampa , father and friend. . Watching you with your grampa was such a joy you had such a special bond one which will never be broken for he’ll live on in your heart until you meet again.you gave him the joy of watching you grow into a fine young man one he was truely proud of .know you’ll never be alone for you’ll always have your “pops”watching over you from above guiding you as you continue on your own journey through life .
Our prayers for peace and comfort go up for your family during your loss. Grandpa was a very wise man. Our family has enjoyed watching you grow over the years, under his wing. Hang tight to his words, they were words to live by. Parker, the love, trust, and confidence that he had for you, will see you through these tough times. God bless your family.
To the entire Schnabel Family, my most heartfelt condolences at hearing about Grandpa John. To you Parker, please know that he was not only loved and appreciated by his family, but by the many families like ours who got to know him on the show. Also know he is in a great place now and you will see him again someday. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful treasure with us. God bless all of you!
Parker are family sends our love and pray God will comfort you and your family in your time of sorrow we know just how much your grandpaw mentioned to you and we are so glade he got to see just how wonderful you grew up to be. rest in peace grandpaw we will miss you
In this time you do not fine many men with the character that your father and greadfather possessed .The love he had for his family was more to him that any amount of gold he every mined,his heart was golden.Parker,the love he had for you was unmeasurable his advice he gave you that was share with us on the program even given in his quiet voice was so solid .I beleave if you follow and lean on his advice you cannot fail .He had a gentle voice he proved that no one had to be loud and have a foul mouth to get the his message heard.Today God got a angel truly,with a heart of gold !
Blessings to you Parker, and for all your family. Your grandpa, John was just a breath of fresh air, and added so much joy when he would pop up on GR. Our prayers are with you and you father, mother, & ur brother. Follow all he taught you about being a leader, and humility when times are difficult. A cheerful heart always lightens the load. He will be there in his mansion, as God promises, watching over you & family. Prayers sre with you