- 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.
Ernest Roderick Smith
Waterloo, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Brendan Rory Johannson Smith, Erin Melissa Johannson Smith, Megan Elsbeth Smith and Alexander David Smith
September 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 555
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per chevron Or and Gules in chief two castles of three towers Gules in base a lymphad sail furled Or, on a chief Gules an anvil Or;
Crest
On a mural coronet proper charged with a frieze of trillium flowers Gules a wildcat sejant proper holding in its dexter paw a torch Or enflamed Gules;
Motto
TWYCHE NOCHT ANE WILDCATT;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On an anvil Or a trillium flower Gules;
Differenced Arms for Brendan Rory Johannson Smith, son of Ernest Roderick Smith
The Arms of Ernest Roderick Smith debruised by a three-point label Sable; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;
Differenced Arms for Erin Melissa Johannson Smith, daugther of Ernest Roderick Smith
The Arms of Ernest Roderick Smith with the chief in the Arms engrailed;
Differenced Arms for Megan Elsbeth Smith, daughter of Ernest Roderick Smith
The Arms of Ernest Roderick Smith with the chief in the Arms invected;
Differenced Arms for Alexander David Smith, son of Ernest Roderick Smith
The Arms of Ernest Roderick Smith with the chief in the Arms indented;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold lymphad, or galley, is a charge frequently found on Macpherson arms, Mr. Smith having been honoured with the title of “Guardian of Clan Macpherson” by the chief, Macpherson of Cluny. The castle is a charge associated with Clan Macleod, to which he is related through his maternal line. It also recognizes his career in engineering and building restoration. The anvil, a blacksmith’s tool, refers to his surname.
Crest
The wildcat is a common feature of Macpherson crests; seated upon a mural coronet, it is the device of the Clan Macpherson Association, and thus represents Mr. Smith’s status as a Guardian of the Clan. The coronet also refers to his work in building restoration. The trillium represents the family’s long residence in Ontario; it is also used as an emblem for the Ontario Scouting movement, to which Mr. Smith has given considerable service. The torch, which here replaces the sword in the Macpherson badge, honours the educational accomplishments of Mr. Smith and other members of his family.
Motto
Meaning “Touch not the wildcat,” the motto is a variant of the motto of the Chief of the Clan Macpherson, “Touch not the cat but a glove”. The choice of Scots recalls the southern Scottish origins of Mr. Smith’s branch of the Macpherson family.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The symbolism of this badge is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Brendan Rory Johannson Smith, son of Ernest Roderick Smith
The symbolism of tis emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Erin Melissa Johannson Smith, daugther of Ernest Roderick Smith
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Megan Elsbeth Smith, daughter of Ernest Roderick Smith
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Alexander David Smith, son of Ernest Roderick Smith
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 March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1076 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Gordon Macpherson, Niagara Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual