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
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.
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.
So sorry to hear about Mr M-D’s passing. Our condolences to the entire family.
Love David and Urania Levinson
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.
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 .
Areli , Graig & boys
Wow what a great human. So sorry for your loss
Sharon & David Gall ( Andrea’s grandparents )
Mill Bay BC
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
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
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
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.