- 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.
Russell Kevin Kopke
St. Albert, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Badge
March 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 14
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a ram rampant and in base two bars wavy Argent;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet erablé Argent a demi-griffin Azure holding an aloe flower Argent;
Motto
PERSEVERANCE ∙ STRENGTH ∙ FORTITUDE;
Badge
A hurt charged with a ram’s head caboshed Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The ram has been used by the Kopke family as its representative symbol for a lengthy time. The two bars, forming several divisions represent the family’s migrations from Prussia to South Africa to Canada, as well as alluding to Mr. Kopke’s current residence in Alberta.
Crest
The griffin was the emblem for the province of Pomerania in the former Kingdom of Prussia, from which many of Mr. Kopke’s ancestors emigrated. The aloe flower is indigenous to the area in South Africa where the family settled. The coronet represents the Canadian residence of the family.
Motto
Not applicable
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 8, 2006, in Volume 140, page 2040 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual