40      THE EAGLE GRATITUDE REPORT 2025-2026	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
   
A tribute to a Life of Friendship, Faith, 
Learning, and Beauty
Story by Michael Halle
Tiffany Allie Tankersley came to Arizona with her mother, Bazy, when the family relocated from the East 
Coast to Tucson and established the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Farm. Tiffany often told me that some of the 
happiest days of her life were spent attending St. Michael’s School. It was there that she formed wonderful 
friendships that endured throughout her lifetime. She also remembered with great affection the teachers and 
headmaster who offered her guidance, encouragement, and a lasting love of learning.
Tiffany was an avid reader with a deep curiosity about the subjects that 
mattered to her. Writing, English, social studies, and literature were among 
her favorites. Beyond the classroom, she loved the theater, and we attended 
many productions at the Arizona Theatre Company together. Music was 
another great joy in her life, and Bryan Adams was her favorite artist. 
She also had a lifelong love of horses and the equestrian disciplines. Tiffany 
was an elegant rider who competed in many horse events, carrying herself 
with the same grace and determination that characterized so much of her 
life.
Faith was central to Tiffany. She loved the Episcopal Church, and it was 
through the church that I first came to know her. Tiffany attended St. Alban’s 
Episcopal Church in Tucson with her mother. 
I initially met Bazy while serving on the Christian Education Committee, and 
through her I met Tiffany. Before long, Tiffany and I became best friends. 
For more than 30 years, we shared an extraordinary friendship and many 
unforgettable experiences. We traveled the world, visited museums, attended musical performances, and 
entered some of the most beautiful cathedrals imaginable. Tiffany brought curiosity, appreciation, and a 
sense of wonder to every experience. Her friendship enriched my life beyond measure. 
Tiffany had a deep passion for the church and for the work of nonprofit organizations. She credited St. 
Michael’s with providing her earliest understanding of the Episcopal Church and the Book of Common 
Prayer. Her family’s commitment to education and faith was also reflected in Bazy’s role as one of the three 
founders of St. Gregory College Preparatory School, where Tiffany was able to continue her education after 
graduating from St. Michael’s. 
When my friend Steve Larsen later introduced me to St. Michael’s, a partnership with the Ruth McCormick 
Charitable Trust felt entirely natural. It was a meaningful way to honor the values Tiffany cherished: faith, 
education, friendship, service, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Tiffany will be remembered for her intelligence, her elegance, her devotion to the church, her love of 
literature, music, theater, and horses, and above all, for the enduring friendships she nurtured throughout her 
life. She left the world way too young at the age of 45. Her legacy and memories will live on! 
PHOTO RIGHT: A statue in honor of Tiffany located in the Foundation Courtyard
Tiffany Allie Tankersley
1968-2012

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.