Zachary Haines, 11, of Libby

Zachary William Haines, 11, son of Tatum Haines and Carmella Pederson, lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at his home in Libby.  

He was surrounded by family and friends when he passed from his mother’s arms into the arms of his Savior.  

He was born Feb. 19, 2002, weighing 2-pounds, 10-ounces.  He was born into a life of beating the odds.

Zach experienced more living than most in his nearly 12 years.  Living in Montana allowed him to pursue his passion of fishing often. He hunted, built forts, swam and searched for treasures along the banks of Flower Creek.  He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures.

He was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumor just before Christmas 2012. With the help and support of a very generous community, his last year of life was packed full of adventures and excitement, highlighted by bagging a five-point elk.

Survivors include his mother, Carmella Pederson, and Calvin St. Onge in the family home with Belle, Poonjab, and Caprice; father,  Tatum Haines, and Natasha Pennock with their son Colter; stepmother, Chelsea Palafox, with Zach’s brother, Matthew; paternal grandmother, “Grammie” Haines, all in Libby; maternal grandmother, Mimi Pederson of Spokane, Wash.; maternal grandfather, Dale Pederson of Peru, Ill.; two great-grandmothers, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, special extended and unrelated family; and more friends than you can count.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014,  at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  

Services will be 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at the Memorial Center in Libby.