- 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.
Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe
Waterloo, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge, with differences to Robert Hugh O’Neil Roe and Mary Elizabeth Anne Roe
August 15, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 632
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent on a chevron Sable between three shamrocks Vert, an annulet Argent between two lions passant combatant Or;
Crest
A demi-roe buck Or attired and unguled Sable charged with a Maltese cross and holding between its legs a lightning bolt Vert;
Motto
NON VI SED ARTE;
Badge
A roe buck’s head caboshed Or attired Sable, its antlers environing a plate charged with a Maltese cross Vert;
Differenced Arms for Robert Hugh O’Neil Roe, son of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe
The Arms of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe with a hunting horn Argent in place of the annulet; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;
Differenced Arms for Mary Elizabeth Anne Roe Pfeifer, daughter of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe
The Arms of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe with a heart Argent in place of the annulet;
Symbolism
Arms
The black chevron and green shamrocks are taken from arms used by Roe families of Ireland, where Dr. Roe’s father came from. The chevron also refers to the arms of the University of Waterloo, where Dr. Roe studied and was a faculty member for more than four decades. The ring symbolizes his status as a Canadian engineer. The lions, symbolizing leadership, represent Dr. Roe’s role in academia as a professor and author, and in university administration. They also indicate his prominent role in provincial and federal politics as a riding president and as councillor for the Township of Wilmot, which has lions as the supporters of its arms.
Crest
The roe buck is a pun on Dr. Roe’s surname. It also recalls the stag in crests borne by Roe families of Ireland. The lightning bolt symbolizes Dr. Roe’s specialization in both electrical and systems design engineering. The Maltese cross denotes Dr. Roe’s involvement of more than three decades with the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “Not by force but by art”, has long been Dr. Roe’s family motto.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Robert Hugh O’Neil Roe, son of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe
The bugle horn refers to his love of hunting.
Differenced Arms for Mary Elizabeth Anne Roe Pfeifer, daughter of Peter Hugh O’Neil Roe
The heart is a traditional mark for the first daughter in Canadian heraldry.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 25, 2017, in Volume 151, page 1302 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Samy Khalid, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual