Cole Gittinger, age 38 was tragically killed in an automobile accident this past Saturday night, March 14, 2009. Cole was born December 1, 1970, son of Donald and Marjorie Gittinger in Toledo, Ohio. He moved to Taos in 2000 and opened an art gallery called All Points Gallery. Before that he lived in Albuquerque and worked with Native American artists creating stone and clay sculptures.
He was world traveler and music lover. Cole lived by his dignity and integrity, says his partner Ali Silverstein. He loved humanity and fought for fairness. He was brave and true and lived life exceptionally. He was truly his own and I believe everyone whose life he touched learned from him.
Cole jumped the film business in 2002 working on the acclaimed local film Off the Map. Shortly later he became a member of Local 480 as a Boom Operator. He was very successful despite having a brief career. His sound team was nominated for an Oscar for their work on No Country for Old Men. He was currently working on The Book of Eli, starring Denzel Washington, which is being filmed in Albuquerque. Some other films include In the Valley of Elah, North Country, and Spartan.
He will be missed by his partner, Ali, sisters, Amy, Lee Ann, Jodi, Dawn, Chelsea, son, Nate, nieces and nephews, his dog, Frank and many lifelong friends.
Memorial services was held at KTAOS on March 21, 2009.