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
39 Responses
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
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
Your dad was an amazing man. He will be greatly missed.
The world has lost a fine man. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
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
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
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
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 !
Sorry for your loss, Tony and Shinder
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