Gold Rush’s Grandpa John died today at age 96

Grandpa_John

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 amazinGold Rush's Grandpa John Schnabelg 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.”

Schnabel familyBorn 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.

Grandpa_John

Images Credit: Discovery Channel

21 Comments

  1. Parker,
    My condolences to you and your family. Your Granfather was a great inspiration and your biggest fan. He had the ability to make us all fall in love with him and he truly became America’s Grndfather. He will truly be missed but he lived a great life and was truly proud of you. You and your Family are in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless!
    Ward

  2. Parker
    God bless you and your family at his time of a great lose. The good times and memories will be in your heart forever. Love you all

  3. Parker, and Family, my husband and I are so very saddened by the loss of your sweet Grandpa. We have enjoyed each season of Gold Rush, and the special episodes that your Grandpa would come to visit with you. He was a wise man, and he adored you. We as outsiders looking in, could see the love and admiration the two of you had for one another. Again we are sorry for your loss, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. Parker, our condolences to you and your family. Grandpa will be truly missed. The memories you share with him will live on forever.
    Take time to mourn and never forget the times you had together. Grandpa will live on in Parker.
    God Bless the Family.

  5. Parker so very sad to hear of the news of your grandpa passing away. The bond you had with him was awesome, not many people get the chance to be so close.
    He will be missed by many people but never forgotten.
    His voice and his love for you will be in your Heart for ever
    Hugs Debbie

  6. So sorry to hear that your grandpa passed away he’ll be missed very much. Prayers go out to you and your family.

  7. I am very sorry for the loss of your grandfather! I am very sad to hear this news. I will be praying for you all that you will find comfort in this. I hope you all cherish the wonderful moments you had with him. He was such a cute little old man. He will forever be looking down on you Parker, and the rest of your family.

  8. So sorry for your loss love your Granpa He was a good man.He’s in a better place looking down on Parker God Bless him.

  9. This was horrible to read about. I’ve watched the show from the beginning and felt grandpa John was America’s grandpa. He always put a smile on my face and would have loved to have had the honor to have met him. Seemed to be such a humble great man full of knowledge and advice.

  10. I feel blessed to have “known” your grandfather/father. He lovingly gave Parker advise without agression, which Parker has used and benefitted. The love he shared with his family was a true love that is seldom seen in families today. May your family be blessed during this time of sorrow and celebration. My prayers go out to you.

  11. Parker and Family
    Words cannot express the sadness I feel over the loss of Grandpa John. He was such a humble man and I admired him very much. He will truly be missed.

  12. So sorry for your loss. My mom was a big fan of the show. Her name is Dorothy Clinton.

  13. GOD BLESS GRANDPA JOHN. WE WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. YOU WERE SUCH A “GOOD TEACHER” TO PARKER. MAY GOD BLESS
    GRANDPA JOHN IN HEAVEN….AND LET GRANDPA HUNT FOR GOLD IN HEAVEN. HE WAS SUCH A “KIND AND GENTLE MAN”. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH PARKER AND HIS FAMILY. KNOW THAT VIEWERS “LOVED GRANDPA JOHN”. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. BLESSINGS TO FAMILY.

  14. My mom has watched the show from day one. She does not have internet so I am sending sympathies to you all. My mom said she cried when she read it after the show. My mom is dorothy clinton from cedar rapids iowa.

  15. So sorry for your lost my wife and I are big fans of grandpa going to miss him extremely God bless him and ur family.

  16. So sorry for your loss have watched since the start my regards to you and your family.

  17. I’m so sorry to hear that John has passed away! He was so good in giving his advice to his grandson, his kindness and advice will live on as his spirit will surely live on through generations to come! Rest in Peace John Schnabel !

  18. Parker,
    I watch your program faithfully. Your grandfather was a truly great man, who Loved you very much. As you, him.
    You & your family were lucky to have him with you for so many good years.
    May HE forever live in your heart & soul, as HE will never leave you.
    My sincere & heartfelt sympathy to you & your family. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
    May Our Lord grant John eternal rest, & may Perpetual Light shine upon him.

  19. So sorry to hear this sad news I so loved this man I loved watching him on tv and working things with Parker out. He will be so missed. God Bless him and his family.

    • Parker I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather John. You could see the love he had for you was so strong. You made him happy every time he saw you. I hope you & your family are doing well @ this hard time in life. You could have not had a better person to watch over you & yours. He always made you happy when he was on passing down his words of wisdom. May he rest in peace ! take care .

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