- 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.
John Robert Colombo
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
July 20, 2007
Vol. V, p. 159
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a griffin segreant Or holding in its dexter claw a ram’s horn and in its sinister claw an open book Argent, in chief a triquetra, on a chapé embowed Or two doves respectant Azure;
Crest
A phoenix Azure issuant from flames Or and charged with a snowflake Argent;
Motto
ALERT • ALACER • ALERTE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Two quills in saltire Or surmounted by an unidentified flying object Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The doves (Colombo in Italian) represent Mr. Colombo’s name. The triangular emblem represents the three children of him and of his wife Ruth Brown. The griffin symbolizes Mr. Colombo’s interest in fantastic beasts. Also known as a guardian of treasure, its holding of the book represents Mr. Colombo’s literary accomplishments. The curved lines symbolize curtains being opened to reveal mysteries. The ram’s horn alludes to the former name of his wife’s father, Baransky (meaning “keeper of the rams”).
Crest
The phoenix is a symbol of renascence. The snowflake alludes to his membership in the Order of Canada.
Motto
Meaning “Alert” in English, Latin and French.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The quills symbolize the accomplishments of Mr. Colombo’s literary career in Canadian publishing. The figure surmounting the quills represents an unidentified flying object, about which Mr. Colombo has written.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 8, 2008, in Volume 142, page 550 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
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual