The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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.

James William Clarke

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Michelle Jennifer Clarke
July 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 316

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Azure a fess Argent charged with a frieze of triangles and triangles reversed Vert between three bison heads Argent;

Crest

A lion rampant Azure holding a pine tree eradicated proper;

Motto

DILIGENTIA • INTEGRITAS • FORTITUDO;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

A lion’s head erased Azure environed dexter by branches of pine and sinister by a spray of white heather proper;

Differenced Arms for Michelle Jennifer Clarke, daughter of James William Clarke

Azure on a fess between three bison heads Argent, a Canada goose volant proper;


Symbolism

Arms

The blue colour represents bodies of water that are special to the family, such as the Red and Assiniboine rivers and the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. The bison is a symbol of Manitoba, where Mr. Clarke has lived for most of his life, and it is the mascot of the University of Manitoba, his alma mater. The pattern of triangles alludes to the logo of Mr. Clarke’s firm, Burrows Lumber, and represents coniferous and deciduous trees.

Crest

The lion symbolizes the family’s English heritage, and its colouring connects it to the blue lions found on the coat of arms of Bournemouth, from which town the family originates. A pine tree also appears in the crest of Bournemouth, and its use here also refers to the lumber industry and to the family cottage in northwestern Ontario.

Motto

These three Latin words mean “Diligence, integrity, courage”.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The lion’s head and the pine branches are based on the crest. The heather is an indication of the family’s Scottish heritage, especially the McIntyre ancestors of Mr. Clarke’s mother. White heather is the McIntyre family plant badge.

Differenced Arms for Michelle Jennifer Clarke, daughter of James William Clarke

The Canada goose is found on the lakes on which Dr. Clarke and her husband row and is a reminder of her Canadian nationality.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 2008, in Volume 142, page 2985 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
David Farrar

Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek


Recipient Information

Individual