- The Governor General of Canada
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Karl Heinrich Kopke
Laval, Quebec
Grant of Arms
May 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 291
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Sable on a mount Or two leg bones in saltire surmounted by a skull Argent issuant therefrom three heads of rye flanked on each side by a maple leaf Or;
Crest
Within a vol quartered 1st and 4th Sable, 2nd Or and 3rd Argent each wing charged with a Hagal rune counterchanged, three heads of rye Or;
Motto
RESURGAM;
Symbolism
Arms
The rye rising from the skull and crossbones portrays the idea of new life coming from death. The maple leaves establish this as a new beginning in Canada of the family.
Crest
The pair of wings is often found in German heraldry, and here the colour division is used to distinguish it from other wing designs. The Hagal rune connects this crest to a similar design in long use by the family.
Motto
The motto, meaning “I shall rise again”, had been found on many old engravings and carvings for the family in Germany. It alludes to the many members who were Lutheran pastors and theological scholars. It also is connected to resurgence in its use because the motto has not been used since 1941 in Germany.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 2008, in Volume 142, page 2984 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Karl Kopke, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Individual
View all Letters Patent for Karl Heinrich Kopke
One or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume V, p. 168.