- The Governor General of Canada
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Victor Jura Wilgress
Rockcliffe Park, Ontario
Grant of Arms
October 12, 1995
Vol. III, p. 58
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess wavy Azure and Or in chief a Golden Retriever its dexter paw resting on an anchor Or and in base a stone bridge of two arches Azure masoned Argent charged with a wild boar's head erased Or;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet rim set with towers alternating with maple leaves Or a fan of five ostrich plumes Argent shafts Azure;
Motto
AUDIO SED TACEO;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue and yellow were chosen by Mr. Wilgress and relate to the sea, where most of his war service occurred. The wavy line recalls Captain Edward P. Wilgress (1781-1866) of Lachine, founder of the Canadian Wilgresses. The golden retriever is Mr. Wilgress’ favourite breed and honours the family dog. The anchor held in the dog’s paw is a reference to Mr. Wilgress’ service in the Royal Canadian Navy. The bridge pays homage to Mr. Wilgress’ father, as a symbol for his diplomatic work. The boar’s head refers to the middle-English meaning of Wilgress, that is, “wild grise” or wild boar.
Crest
The crest is based on a distinctive version of the plume emblem used by the Wilgress family. The castle towers refer to an element found in the arms of Mr. Wilgress’ mother, and the maple leaves symbolize Canada.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “I listen but I keep silent” and is taken from a signet ring worn by the members of the Wilgress family.