- The Governor General of Canada
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John Ross McLean
Bracebridge, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge, with differences to Meaghan Elizabeth McLean and Geoffrey Spencer McLean
May 15, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 723
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Blazon
Arms
Per chevron Vert and Argent three bars wavy Azure surmounted by a seahorse Argent crined and finned Or gorged with a pallium proper;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of escallops Or, the rim Argent charged with Maltese crosses Vert and maple leaves Gules, a tower proper;
Motto
SERVICE MINE HONOUR;
Symbolism
Arms
The green evokes the land and the blue and white waves the ocean, alluding to the fact that Mr. McLean has lived or worked on almost every continent. The wavy lines represent the “seven seas” upon which he has sailed. The chevron division alludes to a roof line, acknowledging Mr. McLean’s passion for architecture and the homes which he has designed and built. The seahorse symbolizes Mr. McLean’s interest in ocean life and brings together in one symbol the two sports (track and swimming) in which he has competed internationally. The pallium, which is the main heraldic charge on the arms of the Diocese of Canterbury in England, signifies the deep ties Mr. McLean has with the diocese and with the Anglican Communion as a whole. The pallium reminds him, as a student of religion, of his aspiration to serve.
Crest
The tower is from the crest of the Maclean clan, of which Mr. McLean is a member. The shell is a symbol of pilgrimage, honouring his ancestors who went to the Holy Land on pilgrimage. The Maltese crosses represent the principles of his work in hospice and palliative care: dignity, caring and respect. The maple leaves signify the two times Mr. Mclean wore a uniform representing his country in international games.
Motto
This phrase signifies Mr. McLean’s many years of charitable work in hospice and palliative care and answers the motto of his clan chief, “Virtue mine honour”.