Gold Rush's Grandpa John Schnabel Passed Away

[PowerEngineer]

“Gold Rush” star and great Alaskan miner John Schnabel died Friday at the age of 96.

The legendary gold miner died peacefully in his sleep Friday morning, his family said.

“Grandpa John lived a great life and was one of a kind. I am glad the world got to see an amazing man,” his grandson Parker Schnabel tweeted.

Schnabel was known for his work on the Discovery Channel show, which focused on the mining business within his family.

The military veteran purchased the Gold Nugget Mine in Porcupine Creek, Alaska roughly 30 years ago when he was advised by doctors to find a way to stay active.

At the time, Schnabel was recovering from a triple bypass surgery.

One of the few likable people on reality television.

 

[Captante]

Bummer ... seemed like a really nice guy.

RIP

 

[Spydermag68]

I always like Grandpa John. RIP

 

[OutHouse]

Rip you were a good man

 

[Markbnj]

Yeah that guy was a classic. He was all the more impressive next to that band of loonies digging across the creek.

 

[JEDIYoda]

96 years old and respected by all!! RIP!!

 

[Gooberlx2]

Awww, sad. One of the few grounding influences for Parker. Their relationship seemed incredible.

 

[adairusmc]

Yeah that guy was a classic. He was all the more impressive next to that band of loonies digging across the creek.

The Hoffmanns have been mining where I live in eastern Oregon close to my family's gold mines this winter, and I have ran into them a couple of times. Much nicer and less douchey in person than is shown on the show.

 

[twinrider1]

RIP. Seemed like a nice guy. 96 is a good run.