Alex Kenaston

Alex was born on September 8, 1976 in Memphis, Tennessee; he was the second son of Monte and Maria Kenaston. Alex moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas (UT) and has lived in Austin since. He also spent much of his childhood in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico and Idaho, and both places were as special to him as Memphis and Austin. Alex attended elementary through high school at Lausanne Collegiate School. Alex completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UT as well as his PhD from the College of Pharmacy. Prior to his PhD, he also completed a Master of Science in Toxicology from the University of Florida. After working for several years as a nurse, Alex transitioned into Clinical Operations in the pharmaceutical drug development industry. He held numerous positions at PPD, a Contract Research Organization (CRO), before deciding to return to school to complete his PhD. After completing his doctoral degree, he joined Syneos Health (formerly INC Research) as a Director of Project Management. At the time of his passing, Alex was a Vice President of Clinical Development at Syneos Health, were he worked for over 13 years.

Alex was passionate about many things, including his love of UT. Both Alex’s father and brother studied at UT as well. Alex fondly recalled how his father agreed to pay for him to go to school at any college in Texas as l long as it wasn’t A&M. He loved joking with his friends who attended A&M or other schools in UT’s conference. Alex enjoyed many things outside including camping with his brother and children. Camping was an important part of Alex’s childhood. After convincing his wife to camp while 7 months pregnant with their first child, it was a strictly father and family activity after that trip. Alex taught all his kids to fish and enjoyed fishing in rivers, lakes, and the ocean (although his seasickness sometimes deterred ocean fishing). He loved sports and played on the Lausanne basketball team. Even after breaking his wrist playing with friends, he continued to enjoy shooting hoops, especially with his son and middle daughter. One of Alex’s prize possessions was his UT Burnt Orange Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved motorcycles and cars, and his were easy to spot as they all had UT themed vanity license plates and at least one Longhorn proudly displayed. Travel was also an important part of Alex’s life. He traveled the world and enjoyed visiting new places, tasting local food, and scuba diving wherever he could.

Alex is survived by his wife, Kristin McCay Kenaston, and his three children: Alexa “Lexi” McCay Kenaston, 12, Karsyn Mae Kenaston, 11, and Kannen Alexander Kenaston, 4. A trend may be evident in the Kenaston family names as everyone is a combination of M, A and/or K – Alex’s initials. All his children would have had some form of Alex in their names, but as with any marriage there was compromise, and Karsyn is the only exception named after Kristin’s beloved grandmother but still following the family naming trend. His spirit, passion, and commitment to family will truly live on in his children. Alex deeply loved his children, and he was a devoted and doting father. Alex and Kristin met working together at PPD and would have celebrated 20 years together next year. While they shared many interests and hobbies, they were truly bound by their love for their children.

Alex is also survived by his mother, Maria Kenaston, and his older brother, Dale Kenaston. Alex has a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins in Fort Worth and Mexico that he loved dearly. He was also a loving godfather to his three godsons, Angel Bonilla, Drake Aylesworth, and Cristian Vences.

Throughout his life Alex made and maintained many lifelong friendships. While the list is long, three important friends and godparents to his children are Dylan Ayelsworth, David Leal, and Charles Macias.

Alex’s life will be celebrated at Emmaus Catholic Parish on Friday, June 23rd at 10 AM. A luncheon reception will follow in the Great Hall at Emmaus. Alex’s children have asked that his love of UT be celebrated by guests wearing UT colors, burnt orange and white.

Memorial contributions will be collected to establish a legacy gift to the University of Texas.