- 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.
John Mackay
Sidney, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 310
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on an open book Argent winged Or a Spitfire aircraft diving in bend Azure, in base a bighorn sheep's head caboshed Or;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of mullets Argent, a bison statant Or;
Motto
¡CUIDADO!;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a triangle its apex in base Azure between three mullets Argent a sabre-toothed tiger's head and a lynx's head, both erased addorsed and conjoined at the neck, and in base a bighorn sheep's head caboshed Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Both the Spitfire and the wings recall Mr. MacKay’s distinguished career as a pilot in World War II. The book celebrates his career in aviation instruction, and the head of the bighorn sheep was a symbol of Squadron 401, Mr. MacKay’s unit in World War II.
Crest
The stars are a reference to an important element in the Costa Rican coat of arms and symbolize Mr. MacKay’s residence there. The bison celebrates his birthplace in Manitoba, and it also represents attributes of strength and determination.
Motto
This is a Spanish expression meaning “Be careful”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The blue triangle represents one of the most important Air Force colours. The head of the bighorn sheep symbolizes Squadron 401, while the sabre-toothed tiger refers to Squadron 439 and the lynx to Squadron 416, other units in which Mr. MacKay served. The white stars represent his links to Costa Rica.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 686 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, and Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual