Candace Therese Ford Gray

Published 10:35 am Monday, July 29, 2024

Candace Therese Ford Gray

November 7, 1949 – June 12, 2024

The founder of PlaneTree Health Library, whose patient-focused, patient-empowering approach

to health care was a maverick idea at the time, Candace Gray died after several years of illness

at age 73 in La Pine, Ore.

Born to Therese (Teri) and Trammell Ford in Las Vegas, NM, where she grew up, later

graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Communications.

Subsequently obtaining a Master of Library Science degree at the University of California,

Berkeley, and working for a consumer health information publishing company, Candace was

hired to develop and direct a medical library for the public in San Jose, Calif. After opening

PlaneTree Health Library in 1989, she directed the nonprofit for nearly 25 years, joining its

board of directors upon her retirement, and continuing to help guide the organization until her

death.

During this time, Candace’s passion for helping people become informed health care

consumers who could advocate for themselves and their loved ones never dimmed. She

mentored volunteers and other librarians, collaborated with hospital colleagues and community

partners, consulted with other organizations developing their own consumer health libraries, and

– dearest of all to her heart – helped countless patrons, providing not only information but also a

calm and compassionate presence.

Candace was also a founding member of EDRC (Eating Disorders Resource Center) in

Campbell, Calif., and has been described by its executive director as instrumental in the

organization’s success due to her vision, generosity of spirit, and persistence in ensuring access

to health information.

A defining characteristic – as both friends and colleagues can testify – was Candace’s lifelong

fascination with words, particularly how written words are put together, and the ideas they

communicate. She contributed articles to the Newberry Eagle, La Pine’s community newspaper,

about people and organizations whose work she admired.

These included the Life Skills Program at La Pine High School – which provides students with

hands-on vocational experience and the functional, practical skills to help them find jobs – as

well as the La Pine Senior Activity Center, and other local nonprofits.

Candace is survived by John Gray, her husband of 32 years, and his family; four siblings: Judi

(Dan) Smith, Florence, Ore.; Ken (Beverly) Ford, Arcata, Calif.; Brady (Charlotte) Ford, San

Jacinto, Calif.; Fanci (Tom) Stow, Portland, Ore.; and eight nieces and nephews: Danelle, Will,

and Andrew Smith; Megan and Aleesha Ford; Brian Ford; and Ryan and Kaelen Stow.

Private ceremonies are being held in Candace’s honor in Ashland, Ore., and San Jose, Calif.