- 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.
David Joseph Ferris
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2014
Vol. VI, p. 449
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per bend Vert and Azure, on a bend between two maple seeds Or, three horseshoes Azure;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of garbs Or and fir cones Vert a barred owl displayed proper pendent from its beak by a cord Argent a Hawaiian fish hook Or;
Motto
TADA GAN IARRACHT;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A helicopter propeller of four blades Or within four horseshoes conjoined Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue and green fields symbolize the Scottish and Irish heritage of Mr. Ferris’ mother and father. The maple seeds represent his deep love of nature and the outdoors; like Mr. Ferris, a commander of a maritime helicopter crew, they depend for their continued survival upon the principle of autorotation. The three horseshoes, pierced seven times for luck, are found in the arms of Irish Ferris families, and represent a talisman of good fortune.
Crest
Owls are Mr. Ferris’ favourite raptors, the barred owl in particular. The fir trees further allude to his love of the outdoors while the wheat sheaves are for him a symbol of providence. For Mr. Ferris, the Hawaiian fish hook is a symbol of strength, and by extension of prosperity and protection.
Motto
This Irish Gaelic phrase translates as “Nothing without effort”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The arrangement of the four horseshoes brings to mind a four-leaf clover, which here alludes to double good fortune and luck, while the four-pitched rotor blade recalls Mr. Ferris’ profession.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 14, 2015, in Volume 149, page 502 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Mark Elson, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Myriam Chesseboeuf
Recipient Information
Individual