Alan Courtenay Arnold Jr.

On April 28th, 2020, Alan Courtenay Arnold, Jr., devoted husband and father, passed away after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving wife of 20 years, Miriam (Mimi) Courtney Arnold, and three sons, Graham, Tripp, and John David.

Alan was born in New Orleans on July 2, 1973 to Alan Courtenay Arnold and Mary Elizabeth (Bette) Selser Arnold. The oldest of three, he is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Arnold Park, MD (Christopher Park, MD) of Mobile, AL and his brother, Richard Arnold of New Orleans. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard E. Selser MD (Frances Gordon) of Baton Rouge and H. Wilson Arnold (Clara Mae Saucier) of New Orleans.

Alan grew up salt-water fishing and loyally following Saints football, passions that never faded. He attended Isidore Newman School, earning a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1995 with Honors in Political Science and International Studies, Phi Beta Kappa. After college, he moved to Washington DC to work as a consultant for Furash & Company and Pricewaterhouse Coopers before obtaining an MBA from the Wharton School of Business with a concentration in real estate.

Alan and Mimi moved to Houston in 2002, where Alan joined a real estate investment firm, Lionstone Investments. Over the next ten years, he sourced properties across the country while mentoring a talented group of analysts—fostering friendships along the way. In 2013, Alan joined the Rice University Management Company, directing real-estate investments. Over his years at Rice, his work helped significantly increase the funds available for scholarships and basic scientific research. Alan took pride in his team’s projects, including renovations to Rice Village and the Sears Building to create—with many partners—an innovation hub (The Ion).

Alan put his faith into action. At Saint Anne’s Catholic Community, he was a member of Teams of Our Lady, served on the Finance Board, the School Board, and the Generations of Faith Committee, which spearheaded fundraising for a recent expansion. He was also a board member of Covenant House Texas, the Urban Land Institute, and a member of the Bayou Breakfast Club and St. Charles Bay Hunting Club.

Alan’s life reflected his intellectual curiosity, a strong faith that deepened during his cancer journey, and a loving commitment to his family and friends. He was most passionate about his calling as a father, coaching his sons in soccer and basketball, regularly engaging them in lively discussions, and sharing his love of the outdoors.

A family graveside service will be held soon, followed by a Memorial Mass at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant House (covenanthousetx.org) or to the St. Anne’s Catholic Community (2140 Westheimer, Houston TX 77098). Please specify that your gift is in memory of Alan Arnold for the Generations of Faith campaign.