Dr. Ty M. Tankersley, DVM

TY M. TANKERSLEY, DVM
November 28, 1960 - June 10, 2007



Beloved husband of Lorena, father of Brittni, Hunter and Sydney, stepfather of Lonnie and Antoine and eldest son of Larry and Lynette Tankersley departed June 10, 2007.

Dr. Tankersley was born in Portland, OR., on November 28, 1960. He grew up and lived most of his young life in Anchorage, AK. He graduated from Service High school in 1979 in Anchorage, AK. He was in Alaska Air National Guard during 1979-1981. He moved to Fort Collins, Co. to pursue his Veterinary studies in 1982. Dr. Tankersley received his doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1989. He went on to complete a surgical internship in Arcadia, CA, and later a Chief of Surgery assignment at Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, OR. He returned to Colorado in 1992 to work for Dr. Jack Makens from whom he purchased Hampden Veterinary Clinic in 1993, now Hampden Family Pet Hospital in Englewood, CO. He formed a partnership with Melani Poundstone, DVM in 1995 and they bought and remodeled the current hospital building.

Dr. Tankersley had extensive training in minimally invasive surgery performing both arthroscopy and laparoscopy. He helped pioneer laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (spays) and ovariectomy techniques. He taught the techniques to other veterinarians and gave several lectures across the country and internationally. He designed the Tankersley ovariectomy hook and the TT Endoscopic Positioner to make laparoscopic visualization easier. Dr. Tankersley was South Area Director of the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society.

Dr. Tankersley was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for flight and photography. He was a Master Scuba Diver, expert paragliding and paramotor pilot, and Black belt Tae-Kwon-Do. He also enjoyed golf, riding his motorcycle, skiing, camping, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, and water sports to name a few. He loved being active in his kids youth sports and school activities. He loved to travel and share his adventure for life with his wife. He was a very loving, dedicated and devoted husband. He was a very caring and committed father. He was an honest, sincere person with a positive, optimistic outlook. He was a confident, happy guy who liked to hang out with friends and family. He was a long time resident of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

A celebration of Dr. Tankersley's life will be held on Saturday, June 23,
2007 from 4-6 pm at the Heritage Regional Park at Highlands Ranch (9651
South Quebec Street, Highlands Ranch, Co 80130) with Larry Loser
officiating.


Contributions to The Dr. Ty Tankersley Memorial Fund Money Market may be
made at any Citywide Bank branch. Acct # 141100494


Flowers and cards will be received at 10789 Glengate Loop, Highlands Ranch,
Co 80130


In loving memory of my precious husband. Not a day goes by that you are not in my heart. I miss you so.
I will love you always, Lorena

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now. He set me free.