March 28, 1947 – June 5, 2025
John Ladue Williams (Juano) was born on March 28, 1947, to Mitch and Mary Williams in Berkeley, California, as the grandson of Doc and Alvina Williams (née Swasey).
On June 5, John passed away peacefully at the age of 78, following complications from a long illness.
John spent his youth exploring the backcountry around Moab on his motorcycle, and running raft tours for the family business, Tag-a-long Tours. At the age of 18, he joined the US Army and was stationed at the Panama Canal. He many adventures before he was honorably discharged. Afterward he attended the University of Utah to study chemical engineering.
After college, John returned to Moab and worked alongside his parents at Tag-a-long. Sharing the beauty and adventure of Moab, the Grand Canyon, and Baja Mexico was a passion for John.
In 1982, he met Chris Wanke. They married in 1985 and had 2 children, Angela and Wesley Williams. John & Chris carried on the family legacy and created NAVTEC Expeditions in the house Doc Williams lived in, eventually moving it to its current location on Main Street.
John was a true visionary in the outfitting world. He introduced the Whitewater RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) and its unique style of boating to the Colorado River. John was at the forefront of overlanding, notably outfitting FJ80 Land Cruisers for tours in both Canyonlands and Arches National Park.
John mentored guides until his last days, ensuring his stories and wisdom would live on through them. John was immensely proud of NAVTEC and its employees, and he considered himself a true backcountry outfitter often saying, “There are two guides on every trip, and I am one of them.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, Mitch and Mary Williams, and best friend, Lucy. He is survived by his children, Angela Williams (Moab) and Wesley Williams (Bend, Oregon); and his ex-wife, Chris Williams (Moab). He’ll be remembered by many not only for his stubbornness, procrastination and perfectionism, but also for his generosity, love of dogs, and treasured friendship.
The family will host a celebration of life for Juano on Friday, June 13 at NAVTEC (321 N. Main) beginning at 6 pm, as well as an open house and viewing at Spanish Valley Mortuary from 5 to 8 pm.
Graveside services with military rites will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 10 am at the Grand Valley Cemetery.
You can send tributes to the family at SpanishValleyMortuary.com or SVMC.US
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