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

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William Macpherson

Mississauga, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Andrew William Macpherson and Stuart Macpherson
May 15, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 138

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


Blazon

Arms

Per saltire Azure and Argent a saltire between in chief a winged cogwheel, in fess a dexter hand couped fesswise holding a dagger and a cross crosslet fitché, and in base a lymphad sails furled, all counterchanged;

Crest

A wildcat sejant its dexter paw raised proper gorged with maple leaves and shamrocks Argent;

Motto

DARE NOT TOUCH THE UNGLOVED CAT;

Motto

COURAGE • PEACE • STEWARDSHIP;

Differenced Arms for Andrew William Macpherson, son of William Macpherson

The Arms of William Macpherson debruised of a three-point label Or; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;

Differenced Arms for Stuart Macpherson, son of William Macpherson

The Arms of William Macpherson within a bordure Or;


Symbolism

Arms

The colours, the saltire division and the saltire cross evoke Scotland, Mr. Macpherson’s birthplace. The winged cog wheel combines the wings and cogwheel from the arms of Mississauga, Mr. Macpherson’s city of residence, and represents his profession as an engineer in the aerospace industry. The galley, the cross crosslet and the hand with the dagger evoke his allegiance with Clan Macpherson.

Crest

The wildcat is traditionally found in Macpherson crests. The maple leaves reflect Mr. Macpherson’s allegiance to Canada, while the shamrocks depict his branch of the Macpherson family, which can be traced back to Ireland in the early 1800s.

Motto

This Motto is a paraphrase of that of the Chief of Clan Macpherson.

Motto

This Motto emphasizes personal values that are associated with the given names of Mr. Macpherson’s immediate family members. Etymologically, the names William and Andrew (his eldest son) mean courage; Irene (his wife) and Calum (his deceased son), peace; and Stuart (his youngest son), stewardship.

Differenced Arms for Andrew William Macpherson, son of William Macpherson

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

Differenced Arms for Stuart Macpherson, son of William Macpherson

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 November 3, 2012, in Volume 146, page 3053 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of William Macpherson and Gordon Macpherson, Niagara Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Gordon Macpherson

Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek


Recipient Information

Individual