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

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Graham Stewart Ford

Penhold, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Badge
March 24, 1994
Vol. II, p. 313

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


Blazon

Arms

Or two bends chequy Azure and Argent on a canton Azure an escallop of the field;

Crest

A centaur holding with the arms a garb Or;

Motto

VERITAS TE LIBERABIT;

Badge

A centaur Or holding by the hands and above the head a chevron chequy Azure and Argent;


Symbolism

Arms

The use of the two diagonal stripes is found in some other arms used by people named Ford in England and Scotland. The blue and white chequerboard pattern on a gold background is based on arms used by Scottish Stewarts, and refers to Mr. Ford’s mother’s family. The shell is found in Scottish arms used by people named Graham, and thus refers to his father’s mother’s family.

Crest

The centaur, a mythological creature combining human and animal characteristics, alludes to Mr. Ford’s business, Stewart Supplies Ltd., which uses the slogan “Shelter for man and beast”. The wheat refers to the Stewart family’s agricultural heritage.

Motto

This Latin phrase means “The Truth will set you free”, originally taken from John 8:32.

Badge

The centaur is taken from the Crest, with the chevron indicating shelter, and the chequerboard pattern a reference to the name Stewart.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 3, 1994, in Volume 128, page 4583 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Charles Maier, Athabaska Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Debra Parker

Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge


Recipient Information

Individual