- The Governor General of Canada
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William Macpherson
Mississauga, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Andrew William Macpherson and Stuart Macpherson
May 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 138
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Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Azure and Argent a saltire between in chief a winged cogwheel, in fess a dexter hand couped fesswise holding a dagger and a cross crosslet fitché, and in base a lymphad sails furled, all counterchanged;
Crest
A wildcat sejant its dexter paw raised proper gorged with maple leaves and shamrocks Argent;
Motto
DARE NOT TOUCH THE UNGLOVED CAT;
Motto
COURAGE • PEACE • STEWARDSHIP;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours, the saltire division and the saltire cross evoke Scotland, Mr. Macpherson’s birthplace. The winged cog wheel combines the wings and cogwheel from the arms of Mississauga, Mr. Macpherson’s city of residence, and represents his profession as an engineer in the aerospace industry. The galley, the cross crosslet and the hand with the dagger evoke his allegiance with Clan Macpherson.
Crest
The wildcat is traditionally found in Macpherson crests. The maple leaves reflect Mr. Macpherson’s allegiance to Canada, while the shamrocks depict his branch of the Macpherson family, which can be traced back to Ireland in the early 1800s.
Motto
This Motto is a paraphrase of that of the Chief of Clan Macpherson.
Motto
This Motto emphasizes personal values that are associated with the given names of Mr. Macpherson’s immediate family members. Etymologically, the names William and Andrew (his eldest son) mean courage; Irene (his wife) and Calum (his deceased son), peace; and Stuart (his youngest son), stewardship.