- 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.
Joseph Fernand Denis Gougeon
Gatineau, Quebec
Grant of Arms
March 20, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 495
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a griffin segreant Or holding in its dexter claw a tree eradicated Argent;
Crest
A hummingbird volant drinking from blue flag and trillium flowers issuant from a nest of maple branches proper;
Motto
FRANC DEVANT DIEU;
Symbolism
Arms
The griffin is a proud and steadfast mythical animal. Being both an eagle and a lion, it represents Mr. Gougeon’s military service as an instructor and commander of air and army cadets, while the colour blue symbolizes his military service with sea cadets. The griffin’s eagle head also alludes to Lac de l’Aigle [Eagle Lake] in Quebec, where he owns a cottage and served as chair and founding member of the owners’ association. The tree represents a family tree, thus referring to his family and to his long-time interest in genealogy.
Crest
The hummingbird, quite common around Lac de l’Aigle, represents for Mr. Gougeon lightness, delicacy, and ecology. The nest again symbolizes his family and his interest in genealogy. The trilliums and maple branches suggest his Franco-Ontarian and Canadian roots, while the blue flag flowers represent Quebec, the province where he lives.
Motto
This phrase means “Forthright before God.”
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 3, 2015, in Volume 149, page 2337 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Concept original de Manon Labelle, héraut Miramichi, assistée par les hérauts de l’Autorité héraldique du Canada.
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual