- The Governor General of Canada
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Alan Brian Thompson
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Eleanor Jane Thompson, Phillip Lester Thompson and Russell Berton Thompson
May 10, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 375
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Blazon
Arms
Gules on a pile Or a pile Azure, overall four barrulets, in chief a cartwheel Or charged with a rose Gules;
Crest
A lyre Or issuant from indigo flowers Azure and lotus plants proper;
Motto
ESSE QUAM VIDERI;
Symbolism
Arms
The chevron-shape alludes to the rank insignia chevrons of Mr. Thompson’s great-great-grandfather, who was a non-commissioned officer in the army of the British East India Company. The four barrulets symbolize Mr. Thompson’s rank of Colonel upon retirement from the air arm of the Canadian Forces. The rose represents the English heritage of him and of his wife. The cartwheel represents transportation, involving both the great journeys undertaken by the Thompson families from 1795 and the vocation of Mr. Thompson. The blue and red colours represent, respectively, the RCAF and the family’s long history in Canada.
Crest
The lyre symbolizes the importance of music in Mr. Thompson’s family, especially for his wife Irene. The lotus plant represents the links of his family with India. The indigo flowers allude to the indigo plantation enterprises of his maternal ancestors.
Motto
Meaning “To be, rather than to seem to be”.