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
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39 Responses
Ray was a giant of a man- a true embodiment of kindness, empathy and intelligence. He completed our income tax for many years and his genuine interest in our lives was most appreciated. He was also a teaching colleague. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this difficult time.
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
Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
The members of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers Association.
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.
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.
I returned from Vancouver and read in the TC re Ray. I was a student teacher at Willows 1967 and began work there !967-75. I had the pleasure of working with Ray in Willows in the Open Area ’69-75′ with our team for six years. His friendship and teaching skills help create my love for Teaching for 44 years. His students and fellow educators have will always remember his professional and kind skills in the classroom or on the Track. My condolences to his family for sharing him over the school years.
Bob Wall
Our most sincere condolences. It was a pleasure to have met Rafael, our prayers are with you. A hug with a lot of love.
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.
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