GOLD RUSH Grandpa John Schnabel passes away at 96
We have some very sad news to report for viewers of Gold Rush, as fan favorite Grandpa John Schnabel has died. The warm-hearted, always-smiling grandad of Parker Schnabel reportedly passed away peacefully last night.
From the Gold Rush Twitter account:
Sadly, Grandpa John Schnabel passed away last night peacefully in his sleep at age 96. We’ll miss you, Grandpa. pic.twitter.com/IoeOCI0ksH
— Gold Rush (@Gold_Rush) March 18, 2016
In memoriam of Grandpa John Schnabel. Thank you for everything, Grandpa.https://t.co/r3l3IL6gXv
— Gold Rush (@Gold_Rush) March 19, 2016
As you might imagine, there was a huge outpouring of condolences for the Schnabel family, and Parker took to Twitter to thank everyone for the love:
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 amazing man.
— Parker Schnabel (@goldrush_parker) March 19, 2016
Parker’s brother, Payson Schnabel, also expressed his grief and gratitude for having such a loving soul in his life:
A photo posted by Payson Schnabel (@paysonschnabel) on
I love you. pic.twitter.com/oSJr6rACfV
— Payson Schnabel (@paysonschnabel) March 19, 2016
A photo posted by Payson Schnabel (@paysonschnabel) on
In addition to his blood family, Grandpa John Schnabel’s Gold Rush family members have also been expressing their condolences:
Rest in peace Grandpa John. You brought joy to people all over the world. It was an honor to know you. @Gold_Rush pic.twitter.com/7fBLaM17pP
— Christo Doyle (@ChristoDoyle) March 18, 2016
RIP John.
— Goldrushtodd (@goldrushtodd) March 19, 2016
@goldrush_parker I’m very sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family. pic.twitter.com/WtcnJKX5s2
— DakotaFred (@GoldrushFred) March 19, 2016
I’m sorry for your loss @goldrush_parker -RIP John Schnabel
— Greg (@GoldRushGreg) March 19, 2016
I’ve written a lot about Grandpa John Schnabel over the last few years, and that is 100% because I loved the man. It’s rare on a television show, or in life, to meet someone with such an abundance of kindness, love, and positivity — all tempered by a lifetime of hard work and zest for life. Part of me is sad for the Schnabel family, but a much larger part of me is so happy for them having John in their lives for so long. Rest in peace John.
If you missed it, in honor of his 96th birthday, Grandpa John answered fan questions and gave advice, and, of course, it was just as great as you would think. Just click here to check that out. (Although I think I like the previous Q&A he did with Facebook fans even more!)
