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.
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39 Responses
Ray was first class in everything that he did. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.