Carter Robert McWilliams

Carter Robert McWilliams was born on February 5^th, 2002, at McKay Dee hospital in Ogden, Utah. Immediately following Carter’s birth, he was diagnosed with a TE Fistula, meaning his esophagus and trachea were joined and an emergency surgery would be required. Carter was sent via life-flight from Ogden, Utah to Primary Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Salt Lake City, Utah through the 2002 Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Through it all, Carter managed to persevere through birth, 3 major surgeries, a permanent feeding tube, a maxed-out health insurance policy, and a diagnosis of a partial deletion of the 17th chromosome (a still un-named disorder). All of which took place within the first 6 months of Carter’s life.

Carter was his Daddy’s little boy and went anywhere and everywhere Kenny could take him. Kenny earned full custody of Carter on June 16^th, 2004, and married Kristine on August 4^th, 2006, which gained Carter a mom and a new brother (Easton). Through the years, Carter’s health conditions never changed, but his stubbornness allowed him to defy the Doctors at every turn. His doctors gave him a life expectancy of 4 years, but Carter more than quadrupled that expectancy. He carried the gift of an amazing spirit, and a means to show you even his struggles could be overcome with his huge smile and contagious laugh. He was taught the wonderful trick of tearing apart anything that once resembled paper. Through this he always found ways to turn any room into the resemblance of the New Year’s Eve streets of New York City; thanks Grandma.

Carter was always happiest with his Mickey Mouse and would literally do all he could to wrestle Mickey away from anyone disturbing their time together. Carter loved to pull you into him, down to his level, and have you sat with him (on his terms of course). He loved time with family and being able to people watch. Carter emulated his little brothers in Noah and Cooper, which truly made for road-trip adventures and great entertainment. He would always slap, pinch, grunt, and groan to get what he wanted, and he always found a way to do it with a smirk on his face.

Carter outgrew expectations and eventually outgrew traditional special needs support at school. Through Carter’s amazing DSPD Case Worker, Susan Blamiers, Carter was provided respite care with R.I.T.E.S in Sunset, Utah. Carter worked with Ms. Julie Jessen for 6+ years at R.I.T.E.S up to and through the completion of the High School Special Education program. Carter’s age, medical needs, and care requirements eventually led to his needing to be with Julie for full-time dependent care. Julie lived around the corner and the means of visiting with Carter never faltered as his care progressed. The Jessen family treated him as if he was another member of their family, too. On August 20^th, 2022, Carter was set to be part of Kenny’s marriage to Trisha Singleton and the gaining of additional siblings in Kambree, Jackson, and Aiden.

Carter is survived by his dad, Kenny (Trisha); his mom, Kristine; his siblings, Easton (Kenna), Kambree (Colby), Jackson, Noah, Aiden, and Cooper; his Great Grandma, Vivian; his Grandparents, Bob, Karen, Grant, Lori, and Darwin; his Aunts and Uncles, his multiple Cousins, and all of his friends within the Disabled community.

Carter is preceded in death by his Great-Grandparents, L. Kenneth & Patricia Schwartz, and Floyd Gotschall,  his grandma, Pati Yorgason, and his Great Uncle Pat Hill.

What you do in your life becomes your history, what you put into motion becomes your legacy. Sweet Carter, your history lives on in our memories and your legacy lives on in our love for you our special boy. We thank you for your wonderful spirit and contagious smile; it’s time for you to be our free little angel, to run amongst the clouds and to be with us always.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit friends Tuesday, August 9, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

A Celebration of Life will be held following the services from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Warehouse 22,1068 W. 350 S. Syracuse, UT. 84075.

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