- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
John Robert Walsh
Brampton, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
July 20, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 743
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Per fess Argent and Azure a fusil per fess Gules and Argent;
Crest
A beluga hauriant embowed Argent holding a West African paddle Azure;
Motto
FAITH AND ACTION;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and white are the colours of Nova Scotia, Mr. Walsh’s home province, while red and white are the colours of Canada. The diamond shape refers to the needle of a compass, a device used in orienteering, in which Mr. Walsh has been active for many years. It also conveys the idea of finding the right path, thus alluding to Mr. Walsh’s career as a teacher and his work with young people. The red part of the needle points north and thus refers to the many years Mr. Walsh spent as a teacher in Nunavut, which is also represented by the white background.
Crest
The beluga is found in Arctic waters, and thus refers to Mr. Walsh’s career in Nunavut, where he witnessed whale hunts and where he once held a whale by the tail. When a whale is caught by Inuit hunters it is apportioned to all parts of the community: the whale thus represents the importance of sharing responsibilities and benefits within a community, values that Mr. Walsh has practised and taught throughout his life. The paddle represents Mr. Walsh’s time in Nigeria, and is another metaphor for guiding people in the right way.
Motto
This phrase is based on the statement “We are men of faith and men of action” used by the Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Walsh is a member.