John Williamson Dies: 60s Sexual Pioneer Dead At 80; How Did He Die?

John Williamson, a pioneer of the 1960s sexual revolution, has passed away in Reno, Nev. He was 80 years old.

Williamson passed away of cancer on March 24, said his wife Barbara Williamson. They had been living for past two decades in a ranch in northern Nevada, taking in abandoned lions, tigers and cougars.

Williamson made a name for himself in the 60s as the co-founder of Topanga Canyon's Sandstone Retreat, a sanctuary for nudity and free love. John and Barbara bought 15 acres overlooking the Pacific and turned it into the Sandstone Foundation, where they offered seminars on human bonding, relationships and sexuality.

But Sandstone Retreat, where as many as 500 people would gather on weekends to frolic in the nude and engage in group sex, quickly became a symbol for bohemian life.

"We actually had open sexuality and nudity, but it was optional. Everything was optional," said Barbara.

The couple was together for 47 years and they themselves exchanged partners on multiple occasions.

In addition to Barbara, Wiliamson is survived by their daughter Sheila and a granddaughter.