Exclusive clip: Gold Rush special: Remembering John Schnabel

Grandpa_John

Grab your Kleenex, Gold Rush fans. Tonight we can gather together — via our TVs — to celebrate the life of Grandpa John Schnabel when Discovery airs the special Gold Rush: Remembering John Schnabel at 9pmET/PT (Friday, April 1). The kind-hearted, soft-spoken Grandpa John was a fan favorite for the past six seasons of Gold Rush, mentoring his grandson Parker Schnabel on the mining industry.

In this exclusive clip provided to us by Discovery, cameras document Grandpa John’s recent 96th birthday celebration from his hospital bed, where he is adorably cheery and good spirited — donning a green shirt and green tie. Grandpa John celebrated his 96th birthday on Feb. 11.

In the clip, Parker tells: “My grandpa’s never missed one of my birthdays, and I’m not about to start missing his.” The Schnabel family all gathered at the hospital including Grandpa John’s wife Irma, his two daughters, his son Roger and grandsons Parker and Payson.

“It’s great to be loved,” Grandpa John says in the clip. “The love that is in the air is the best present that anybody could receive. Material things are fine, but love is the most important — and I’m surrounded by it.”

A lasting message and gift to share. R.I.P.

1 Comment

  1. I only learned of your loss today. I send my condolences to you and your family. Your relationship with your grand father was much like mine was with my grand father. My grand father is my hero, he is the finest person I have ever met. In all the years I knew him I never once heard him swear, say anything bad about anyone, and he never held a grudge. I see the same qualities in your grand father. My grand father passed in 1973, I still think of him often. You will have the same thoughts about John. And now when you have to make difficult decisions you will ask yourself what would grandpa do… When you answer it you’ll know you made the right choice . His legacy will always be with you and will guide you in so many ways. Best regards,

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