Malachi Alan McCarty, age 2, died Monday, March 18, after a lifelong battle with Walker-Warburg Syndrome.

Described as the “Ultimate Under-dog,” he was a fighter from the beginning. Through all of this, he never lost his smile and his love for snuggles with Mom, Dad and big sister. Malachi tugged on the heartstrings of both his family and his caretakers with his beautiful long eyelashes and captivating eyes.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to the numerous doctors, surgeons, nurses and therapists for their care and compassion for Malachi. Very special thanks goes out to Malachi’s favorite therapist, Mr. Todd.

Surviving are his parents Troy and Valerie McCarty; big sister, Olivia Huizenga; paternal grandparents Alan and Marsha McCarty; maternal grandparents Chuck and Brenda Huizenga; maternal great-grandparents Melvin and Karen Olson; uncle, Mark Huizenga; uncle and aunt, Eric and Stephanie Huizenga; uncle and aunt, Rick and Mindy Miller; and several cousins and extended family.

Malachi was preceded in death by his uncle, Tyler McCarty.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home (Wayland Chapel), 312 N. Main St. The service celebrating Malachi’s life will be at noon Friday, March 22, at Peace Church, 6950 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville, with another visitation from 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Malachi will be laid to rest at Robbins Cemetery in Yankee Springs Township.

In memory of Malachi and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Child Life Program.