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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 ser: 6-year BC Double Gold S Champion, 1951 Canadian S Champion, and podium finishes in US and World Masters s 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: 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
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
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
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.
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
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
Sandy Horner
Your dad was an amazing man. He will be greatly missed.
Patricia Liesch
The world has lost a fine man. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
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
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
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
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 !
Harjinder Rehill
Sorry for your loss, Tony and Shinder
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

1930 2025

mccall gardens funeral and cremation service

Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique

death notice Rafael Meléndez-Duke 1930 2025

obituaries notice Rafael Meléndez-Duke 1930 2025

We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rafael Meléndez-Duke 1930 2025  and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.