- The Governor General of Canada
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Ernest Roderick Smith
Waterloo, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Brendan Rory Johannson Smith, Erin Melissa Johannson Smith, Megan Elsbeth Smith and Alexander David Smith
September 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 555
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Blazon
Arms
Per chevron Or and Gules in chief two castles of three towers Gules in base a lymphad sail furled Or, on a chief Gules an anvil Or;
Crest
On a mural coronet proper charged with a frieze of trillium flowers Gules a wildcat sejant proper holding in its dexter paw a torch Or enflamed Gules;
Motto
TWYCHE NOCHT ANE WILDCATT;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold lymphad, or galley, is a charge frequently found on Macpherson arms, Mr. Smith having been honoured with the title of “Guardian of Clan Macpherson” by the chief, Macpherson of Cluny. The castle is a charge associated with Clan Macleod, to which he is related through his maternal line. It also recognizes his career in engineering and building restoration. The anvil, a blacksmith’s tool, refers to his surname.
Crest
The wildcat is a common feature of Macpherson crests; seated upon a mural coronet, it is the device of the Clan Macpherson Association, and thus represents Mr. Smith’s status as a Guardian of the Clan. The coronet also refers to his work in building restoration. The trillium represents the family’s long residence in Ontario; it is also used as an emblem for the Ontario Scouting movement, to which Mr. Smith has given considerable service. The torch, which here replaces the sword in the Macpherson badge, honours the educational accomplishments of Mr. Smith and other members of his family.
Motto
Meaning “Touch not the wildcat,” the motto is a variant of the motto of the Chief of the Clan Macpherson, “Touch not the cat but a glove”. The choice of Scots recalls the southern Scottish origins of Mr. Smith’s branch of the Macpherson family.