- The Governor General of Canada
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William Dale Murray
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 292
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Blazon
Arms
Argent a griffin segreant Gules holding in its dexter claw a flax flower, on a chief Azure three mullets Argent;
Crest
Issuant from an antique crown Or a bison's head in trian aspect Murrey accorné Or;
Motto
SERVUS REGINAE;
Symbolism
Arms
The griffin is taken from the arms associated with Forsythe, representing Mr. Murray's maternal ancestry. As the Forsythes settled around Londonderry in Ireland, it is made unique here by having between its claws a flax flower, which is taken from the arms of Londonderry County Council and which has been used as a symbol of Northern Ireland. The griffin is also a symbol of the legal profession, and it is found in the arms of the Faculty of Law of the University of British Columbia, where Mr. Murray took his law degree. The red and white colours make a reference to Canada. The upper part of the shield, or chief, uses three white stars on blue, an arrangement of the arms of Murray (borne by the Clan Chief, the Duke of Atholl). This is a reference to Mr. Murray's paternal ancestry.
Crest
The bison's head is a reference to Mr. Murray's birthplace of Manitoba and his family ties with the Prairie provinces. It is shown in the heraldic tincture of "Murrey" or deep red, a pun on the surname. The crown is the type found on the arms and flag of British Columbia, and therefore it serves as a reminder of the province where Mr. Murray lives and works.
Motto
A Latin phrase meaning "A servant of the Queen". It refers to Mr. Murray's loyalty and his past military service.