- 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.
Alexis Theodore Roshuk
New York, New York, United States of America
Grant of Arms, Flag and a Badge
May 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 26
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Gules three billets fesswise between two barrulets, in chief three yarrow flowers and in base a cross Argent;
Crest
A demi-bear Gules holding between its paws a beehive Argent;
Motto
LA VIE ENSEIGNE TOUTE CHOSE;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are colours associated with Poland and Belarus, and are two of the colours of the Russian Empire, the homeland of Mr. Roshuk’s ancestors. They are also the colours of Canada and of McGill University, from where Mr. Roshuk obtained his two law degrees. The white rectangles can represent pages of paper and computer chips, indicative of Mr. Roshuk’s writings and the work he does by computer. Together, they also resemble frames of celluloid film, an indication of Mr. Roshuk’s work in filmmaking. Yarrow flowers have long been cherished in Mr. Roshuk’s family; their number here alludes to the Holy Trinity. The white cross on red is used in the heraldry of the Volyn region of the Ukraine, where Mr. Roshuk’s ancestors lived.
Crest
The bear is an animal particularly associated with eastern Europe. The beehives allude to a family tradition, whereby Mr. Roshuk’s great-great-grandfather kept his savings in a beehive, and allowed whichever child was brave enough to reach in and receive the entire sum as an inheritance. Mr. Roshuk’s great-grandfather did this, but decided to share the money with all of his siblings.
Motto
Meaning “Life teaches all things”.