In Memoriam - Amy Kittinger

RINA Employment: January 23, 2008 – April 3, 2018

It’s an honor to write this tribute for Amy Kittinger - a friend, colleague, mentor, volunteer, advisor, wife, mother, sister and daughter. In whatever role you knew her, from whatever vantage point, she stood apart as someone special. 

Amy Kittinger was less well-known in the Bay Area since she worked from our office in Bellingham, Washington. Nonetheless, her interactions with staff and clients were as if she was right here. Amy fought a brief but fierce battle with cancer this spring. Although her battle ended on April 3rd, her smile, laughter and love continue through all that were lucky enough to know her. 

We first met Amy in 2008 when we, the five RINA Belles, as we jokingly call ourselves, started working in the Bellingham, Washington office for RINA. Amy earned her accounting degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham in 1993 and her CPA license in 1994. Bellingham has been Amy’s home with her husband, Rich, since 1997. 

She brought a depth of knowledge and a dedication to her profession that made our office a special place to work. She made us feel supported, valued and that we would and could surpass all of our challenges together. 

Over our 10 years together, we became great friends and shared much of our lives with each other. We all became a part of Amy’s circle of friends and family and we felt her fierce love and commitment. She lived her beliefs, valuing family over everything. 

Amy always lit up when she talked about the travel adventures she, Rich and her two boys, Ryan (16) and Adam (12) embarked on. They traveled near and far, to Naselle, Washington to visit her family home, to Mexico to enjoy the sun, East Coast exploring, camping in Eastern Washington and everywhere in between. She always valued experiences over things. 

She was a fierce supporter of her boys especially in their sports interests; Ryan plays Lacrosse and Adam plays Ice Hockey. They loved traveling to see her nephew Nick pitch for the Washington State University Cougars. If you were looking for Amy on a weekend she could be found cheering on the sidelines in her trademark team hoodie! 

As a colleague and friend, Amy’s contributions were immeasurable. We will miss her smile and laughter. We feel fortunate to have known her and for the “life lessons” she taught us all. 

— Marcia Gaven, Kim Quinn & Jackie Reed 
Bellingham, Washington Tax Accountants