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 and family, I’m a 56 year old owner operator of a semi truck. Takes a lot to make me tear up. After watching the episode where your grandfather had passed, I still haven’t dried up. That guy touched me deeply. I salute him you, and your family. Keep it up young man. I respect the work ethic he instilled and you and your family. Like you I will never forget him.
It has been an absolute Joy we Will miss you so much! My deepest sympathies to the family!
If I could have had a Grandpa I would have chosen yours. He was sunshine with that smile. We will miss him dearly.
to PARKER SCHNABEL —ON APRIL 1st I WATCHED THE EPISODE WHERE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHERED TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVING GRANDFATHER 96 BIRTHDAY. I WAS SO VERY HAPPY TO SEE THAT EVERYONE WAS TOGETHER . PARKER, YOU COULD SEE HOW MUCH YOUR GRANDFATHER LOVED YOU AND HOW YOU LOVE HIM. MY NAME IS SANDY GOODSELL FROM CONNECTICUT; MYSELF AND ALL OF MY FAMILY WANT TO SEND YOU OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. YOUR GRANDPA HAD SHOWED SUCH HAPPINESS FOR YOU AND ENCOURAGED YOU TO GO THROUGH THE STRUGGLES YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE RUNNING THE SCHNABEL MINE. YOU MADE HIM VERY HAPPY EVEN TO THE LAST GOODBYE TO YOU. HE WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL.
Parker,we are SOOO sorry about your GRANDPA..I have watched your grandpa on your show,HE WAS AND STILL MY FAVORITE.He was such a sweet,loving person.He’s got such a beautiful smile.His smile could light up a room.Your a lucky dude to have had a PAPA LIKE THAT…R.I.P.PARKER PAPAAnother ANGEL in the sky
Parker and family so sorry to here about grandpa . My husband and I watch the show all the and we love that Parker was so close to grandpa—- god bless u all
Parker & Family
So sorry for your loss He will be greatly missed
I never had a Grandfather and I hoped he would have been like yours. I cried when I learned he had cancer because it was the same my husband died of a week after. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.. Hope you will carry on mining in his honor
Parker,
Deepest condolences to you and your family. We are great fan of Gold Rush but most of your Grandpa
R.I.P
Greets from the Netherlands
My heart sank when I saw the message about grandpa. He seemed like part of my family as well and fell in love with him the first time we watched the show. He showed grace, love and respect to everyone. Parker we are praying for your family and all who had the pleasure to meet or watch your grandfather. God bless and carry on his memory with honor.
Continued prayers from Arkansas
Parker, We watch Gold Rush every show, because of YOU and then Grandpa John, God bless both of you. Grandpa was so sweet and gentle.We hope you remember his advice, and that you are becoming the man he was He loved you very much. God bless you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. His smile and laugh always made me smile. You have a lot of wonderful memories to hang onto. I will be saying prayers for you and your family. He will be missed.
Deepest condolences to the Schnabel family on the passing of grandpa Schnabel ,so sad he seemed to be a very loving and supportive man to his family and a great mentor to Parker he will be sadly missed .
Sorry for your loss. Will miss him.prayers for you and your family.
My family and I were saddened to hear the news about Grandpa John’s passing. He was the reason I started watching the show from the beginning a lovable man he was. He reminded me of my grandfather. It was very clear how much he loved you and wanted you to succeed. Take care Parker our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A grate Man the only reason I watched the show in it first season. Will be missed RIP Ser
God bless Grandpa Schnabel ……he was a true legend and a kind soul. If there were a lot more people like Grandpa John the world would be a better place. May he rest in peace. God bless him and the grieving Schnabel family.
Thank You to the Schnabel Family for sharing Your Grandpa with all of Us viewers. We will also miss Our Gold Rush Grandpa we have grown to Love from the first time we saw Him! Love Your entire Family. Prayers in the Wind !
I’ve been a fan of Gold Rush since the beginning and was fixated on Grandpa John’s ability to communicate with everyone in a way only he could do without anyone getting upset. Parker; let his lessons be an influence on your ability to do the same. I own a business and have learned over the years how to communicate with good and bad employees in a manner that doesn’t offend. You have a golden opportunity to prove to everybody that you can do the same. Take the time to think about how your going to respond to a confrontation before. It will pay off in terms of your legacy.
To The Schnabel : Very sad to hear about your father and grandfather passing away. The Lord has blessed your family with 96 years of laughter, smiles, and memories you will cherish for years. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. What a wonderful man and mentor. May God Bless you all and support you through this difficult time.
Parker
My condolences to you and your family. The more I watched your Grandfather the more I loved him. He was evident in his love for you. You were so close to him Parker. You both had a very special relationship. His love and teachings will follow you throughout your life Parker. He will forever live in your heart. God bless you and your family.