
Rafael passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in the early morning of February 4, 2025 just shy of his 95th birthday. Rafael was born March 25, 1930 in San Salvador, El Salvador to Rafael Meléndez and Noemi Duke.
Predeceased by his wife, Teresa (2016) and brother, Maurice (2009), Rafael is survived by his five children: Anthony (Shinder), Marie, David, Michael, and Arelí (Craig), and four grandchildren: Trevor, Nicholas, Benjamin and William. Along with his children and grandchildren, he will be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends in Canada, USA, Europe and El Salvador.
Rafael lived his childhood in San Salvador and moved to Canada in 1942 attending University School (now known as St. Michael’s University School). He graduated from St. Mary’s College in California after which he worked as an Accountant for 10 years before changing careers to become a Teacher, a vocation “Mr. Duke” was committed to for 27 years.
Rafael was dedicated to community service and spent many hours supporting charitable organizations. He was a canvasser for The Kidney Foundation, a church leader and Eucharistic Minister for St. Andrews Cathedral and Sacred Heart Church, a treasurer for Victoria Mini Rugby and St. Michael’s University Alumni, a member of The Flying Y and Mary Walsh Bursary Committees, and was instrumental in upholding the Gauss Mathematics contest for over 20 years. His dedication to track and field spanned over 5 decades. Rafael officiated countless cross country and track and field events from elementary, middle and high school levels right up to national and international caliber meets. He also was a key fixture for Operation Trackshoes for 30 years. In 2016, he received a Long-Service Award from BC Athletics and in 2017 he was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as an Official in Athletics. Rafael’s own track career is well documented as a sprinter: 6-year BC Double Gold Sprint Champion, 1951 Canadian Sprint Champion, and podium finishes in US and World Masters sprint competitions. Despite penning two books: On Your Marks! A History of Track and Field Officiating in Victoria and A History of the Flying Y Track and Field Club, Rafael was always humble and shied away from fan fare.
Rafael had many interests. For those who knew him, one of which was keeping warm – he always wore two layers more than everyone else! It must have been from his Latin American roots. His love of airplanes and the mystery surrounding female aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart, and her disappearance over the Pacific Ocean was a passion he researched throughout his entire life. Rafael contributed positively to the lives of many students, athletes, friends and family. As one dear friend said, “He was a giant of a man, the epitome of what a human should be.” Rafael will be greatly missed.
An open casket visitation will take place at 9:15-9:45 am at Sacred Heart Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria, BC on Friday, February 7, 2025. Funeral mass at 10:00 am with a reception to follow in the downstairs church hall. The service will also be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/T_ER48-T0nY. Interment of ashes to take place on a warm sunny day later this Spring. If you can join us, wear two layers!
Rafael supported many charitable organizations. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to an organization of your choice.
The family is grateful for the care and attention provided by many caregivers, support staff and friends.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
mccallgardens.com
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Melodie Cohen
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Berna Ruffell Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
The members of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers Association.
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Debbie Yorke My deepest condolences to the Melendez-Duke family. Mr. Duke was my Grade 7 teacher in 1968-1969 at Willows Elementary and to this day I consider him my favourite teacher. He was so very kind and encouraging to me, especially when it came to reading. I’m sorry I didn’t meet him again as an adult to get to know him better. From the obituary and comments, his was a life well lived.
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Jino kim Thank you for sharing your stories and passion in track and field with me, Rafael. You will be terribly missed by your family and friends and community. My condolences to families.
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Victoria (student from Mexico) and family Our most sincere condolences. It was a pleasure to have met Rafael, our prayers are with you. A hug with a lot of love.
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Kathryn Beaumier Dear Areli and Family, I am saddened to read about your Dad’s passing. What a life he had! And what wonderful memories you are left with. Take care of yourselves and know that others mourn with you. Remembering you in my prayers and sending love.
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Carol Eby My deep condolences to all the Melendez-Duke family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear dad. He lived a remarkable life, and he was such a kind and generous person, and thoughtful neighbour. Wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Carol Eby
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Tom and Karen Bourne Ray was first class in everything that he did. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
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Howard Brandt I have the privilege to call Rafe a mentor. He and the late Ernie Teagle taught me how to be a track-and-field starter when I was at UVIC in the mid- to late 1970s. Our three-man team started countless elementary and high school and club meets at Centennial Stadium over the four or so years that I worked alongside those terrific gentlemen. What a thrill it was to return to Victoria after more than a decade abroad to again work with Rafe on several occasions to start the Victoria International. He was in his eighties the last time I saw him and still boundlessly energetic. We need more contributors like Rafe and are the lesser for losing him. My condolences to all who knew and loved him and who, like me, benefited from time in his presence.
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Tracy Cullen Our entire family was very sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Meléndez-Duke. Our family and especially my children have very fond memories of him at their elementary school track meets, always in a very sporty track suit donning the firing pistol! His command over the meet and hundreds of schoolchildren was impressive and my kids looked up to him so much. He will be missed by the entire community that he gave so much back to! Warmest and heartfelt condolences, the Cullen Family
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Debra Dear Family So many heart felt thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your father/ Grandfather was such a remarkable man with such an amazing personality. It was so nice and such a joy to know him. Know that he’s now close to and with God and his beautiful wife and loving mother Teresa. Take such good care. Blessings and much love to all Debra
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Nora Orellana de Martín Dear family: I am still so impressed and sad since Rafa passed away. We were so close and shared beautiful moments when Rafa lived in El Salvador and also we were in touch all his life. He was one of my dearest first cousins. We were connected and maintained a fluent and constant communication all the time. Be sure that I will miss him so much. But his memory and many moments we shared will be always in my heart. I know for sure that he is now at the presence of God since he was a wonderful person, husband, father, brother and cousin; and always taking care of others. I pray God that He gives you all, strength and peace of heart to surpass your father’s absence. Always remember he will be near you from heaven. Blessings to all of you. With love, Aunt Nora Orellana de Martin and my son Allan Martin
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Murray & Joanne McIntosh Our sincere sympathy to Dave and all the other family members. Each year when he collected for the Kidney Foundation Rafael would time it so we were last and he could come in for a visit. We did not know him well but always enjoyed these conversations.
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Karin Friedrich Losing loved ones is really very sad. My condolences.
The feeling of emptiness in your heart cannot be filled with words, but with the good memories that you had with Mr. Rafael.
Dearest Shinder, wishing you and your family a lot of love. Take care.
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Lorie Christian My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you grieve your most remarkable father; gone to be with his Teresa. Their strength and kindness are reflected in their legacy.
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Wendy Polsson Sad to hear of Mr. Duke’s passing. Such a wonderful teacher. I was one of his student’s at Willows.
Condolences to all his family.Wendy (Moyes) Polsson
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Victor Lui Condolences to the family. l was also taken away of how he was with people. How you went away feeling better, and strengthened after he spoke to you. He would say things with wisdom you would not typically hear, which was refreshing, and brought life and encouragement. Rafael’s positive contributions has also plainly come to my life through Rafael’s family. I am privileged to have met Rafael.
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Cory McIntosh My thoughts and deepest sympathies to the whole family, all of whom I consider part of my family. He was a kind and caring man who always made you feel like you were the most important at that moment, always genuinely interested. One of the greatest accomplishments is evident by what a wonderful family he and Teresa raised.
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Deb Foster My sincere condolences, Shinder and Tony. Your Dad has made such a positive impact on so many peoples’ lives. Sending my love to you, and your family.
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Urania Levinson So sorry to hear about Mr M-D’s passing. Our condolences to the entire family.
Love David and Urania Levinson
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Blair Hedley A legend, a mentor, a teacher, there are some people you wish would live forever, Mr Duke was that man. I am sad for everyone who was lucky enough to be in his life, we were all so fortunate.Rip Raphael.
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Francisco Meléndez It is with deep sorrow that we received the news of the passing away of my cousin Rafa. A cherished member of the Victoria, BC community, who left us peacefully on the 4 of February 2025.
We met him and his wife Teresita in Victoria BC, in 2010 and were overwelmed by their kindness, generosity, and the warmth he shared with everyone he encountered. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created with those who had the honor of knowing him.
May the Lord receive him in Heaven.
Most sincere condolences to all his Family, especially for his Sons, Daughters and Grandchildren.
Regards:
Francisco & Ana María Meléndez .
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Sharon Gall Areli , Graig & boys
Wow what a great human. So sorry for your loss
Sharon & David Gall ( Andrea’s grandparents )
Mill Bay BC
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Revina Dear Melendez-Duke Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we send our heartfelt condolences. Grandpa Rafael was a honourable man who always took a keen interest in everyone he met.I fondly remember watching him officiate the Track events at the BC Summer Games in Port Alberni. He stood on the starting blocks with such stature. I felt proud to know him – what an amazing volunteer he was!
In later years, our engaging conversations about teaching and Track and Field always made me feel hopeful about the future. His passion for teaching was always upbeat and positive!
You will be so greatly missed, Grandpa Rafael.
Sending love and strength to the Melendez-Duke family,
Revina
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Lori Iannidinardo Such a wonderful man sorry we never had a chance to meet our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family.
Sincerely
Tony and Lori Iannidinardo
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Kindi Kullar Deepest sympathies for the loss of your father and grandfather. Uncle Rafael was devouted to his family,community and church. We will miss the sparkle in his eyes that he had during our engaging conversations. He would always ask how everyone was. May the memories of happier times comfort your heavy hearts during this difficult time. ❤️.
Kindi & Kal Kullar & family
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Albert Lim He was my grade 7 and most memorable teacher! I was blessed to have him as my friend thereafter for over 4.5 decades all the while still addressing him as Mr. Duke! One of my memories from grade 7 was helping him set up for a parent/teacher night where he set up chairs on both sides of a chest and then laid the flag of his home country across the top and regaling me with stories of how challenging some parents can get. Mr. Duke also welcomed me into his group of guitarists with my macho sized ukelele. After leaving elementary school, he continued to stay in touch with me. Like clockwork, we would always exchange birthday cards (we share the same day) and Christmas cards. Every meal shared with him was a treat! Every letter was eloquently filled with positivity and support.
We have lost an amazing soul, but I am comforted in that all his kindness and teachings continue in each of the lives that he touched. I offer my condolences to all his family and friends.
I will miss him but he will always be with me.
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Camila Mena Meléndez Dear Melendez Duke family, I am deeply sorry for the passing of Uncle Rafael. Although I never had the chance to meet him, my mother, Mercedes Meléndez, who was his first cousin, often spoke fondly of her Melendez Duke cousins in Canada.
May he rest in peace after living a fulfilled life, filled with the joy of his children, grandchildren, and many passions. We are certain he is now reunited with his parents and family, exploring new discoveries and interests in the afterlife.
With heartfelt condolences,
Camila Mena Meléndez and Mauricio Quintanilla (husband)
San Salvador, El Salvador
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Brenda Janes I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, Tony. I never met him but hearing the kind things Shinder has said about him over the years; we have worked together speaks volumes about the wonderful man he was. My condolences to you, Shinder, Nick and family at this difficult time xox
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Sandy Horner Your dad was an amazing man. He will be greatly missed.
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Patricia Liesch The world has lost a fine man. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
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Jug Thandi Our deepest condolences to the Melendez-Duke Family. Our visits and conversations will be remembered and cherished forever. A kind man with an incredible heart. You will be sadly missed on our visits with Shinder, Tony and Nick.
Jug, Paul, Tiara and Inam Thandi
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Velma Ash I’m so thankful to have met this wonderful man. So many precious qualities. He will always be remembered. My prayers and love are with the family. Love and prayers
Velma Ash
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Mercy Melendez We are deeply sorry about Rafa’s passing away. As his first cousins living in El Salvador, we’ll miss his cards and his special care regarding his family here. May God grant eternal rest to his soul and provide you peace and strength to help you in this earthly separation.
Mercy, Lucrecia and Camila Mena Melendez
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Corinne Melendez-Duke cmelendezduke Rafa was my husband Edmund ‘s uncle . He was the most special person for both of us . He and his wife Teresa were like second parents to us , as we both married so young , they helped us so much through the years . He to me was the most incredible person . We loved him and Teresa so much . Two of the most wonderful people I have ever known in my life . Their families all are remarkable people as well. Nothing but love passed on to everyone as he will be missed so much !
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Harjinder Rehill Sorry for your loss, Tony and Shinder
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Mike Clermont Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this time.
Ray was a true gentleman with a heart of gold and not a self importance bone in his body. Ray was the most humble man I have ever known even though he had much to brag about. Ray was one of the most respected individual’s I have ever known in my life time.
I will miss Ray very much, but, I am grateful to have had him in my life.
Respectfully,
Mike Clermont
What a lovely human being was Ray Duke with a quiet and kind demeanour, always willing to help and lend a hand. He was a beloved Willows teacher and coach, setting high standards in the school’s academics, as well as extra curricular. He headed Operation Eyesight for years at Willows raising funds to aid children in developing countries.
Ray was an incredible role model and inspiration for younger teachers like me. You’d always see him during athletic events, from Cross Country to Track and Field, coaching or organizing. It was a ritual for the Track coaches to see Ray start off the races. In the Cross Country Finals he’d be in his car, rain or shine, taking down the stats from the races. It was always fun to have a little chat with him in between races and especially fun for me to speak to him in Spanish.
Sadly we missed the funeral announcement in the paper and only noticed the morning of the funeral. We were very glad to be able to ‘attend’ through the live YouTube link.
My partner and I both worked with Ray at Willows in the 80’s and had enormous respect for him as a colleague and a friend.
Our world needs more people like Rafael Melendez Duke. Our heart-felt condolences go out to his family.
Melodie Cohen and Chris Mobsby