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

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Darlene Sandra Howard

West Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Christopher Michael Paul Howard, Reid Alexander Paul Howard and Henrik Christopher Howard
December 20, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 222

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


Blazon

Arms

Azure on a pile reversed embowed between two lyres Argent, three pallets Gules;

Crest

A bald eagle Azure its head Argent beaked and membered Or wings displayed each charged with a cross-crosslet fitché Argent, and holding in its dexter claw a laurel wreath Or;

Motto

BY HEAD • BY HEART • BY HANDS;

Flag

A banner of the Arms;

Badge

A theatrical curtain Azure fringed Argent and charged with a bald eagle’s head erased proper beaked Or;

Arms of Christopher Michael Paul Howard, child of Darlene Sandra Howard

The Arms of Darlene Sandra Howard debruised of a three-point label Or during his mother's lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following her death;

Arms of Henrik Christopher Howard, grandchild of Darlene Sandra Howard

The Arms of Darlene Sandra Howard debruised of a five-point label Or during his grandmother's lifetime;

Arms of Reid Alexander Paul Howard, child of Darlene Sandra Howard

The Arms of Darlene Sandra Howard within a bordure Or;


Symbolism

Arms

The lyres are a symbol of music, referring to Ms. Howard as a pianist and a patron of the arts. They also convey the idea of harmony, an important concept related to her career and volunteer work as a facilitator, a team leader, a music director, and an organizer. The two ascending and converging lines symbolize upward striving, leadership and teamwork, essential aspects of her work in the community and of her career in management training. The division of the shield and the vertical pattern allude to stage curtains and thus to her patronage of theatrical activities in the Vancouver area. Her love of the performing arts is also reflected in the juxtaposition of white and red, the emblematic colours of Bard on the Beach, a not-for-profit professional Shakespeare festival she supports. White and red also refer to Canada, and blue is Ms. Howard’s favourite colour.

Crest

The bald eagle is a special bird for Ms. Howard, both as a traditional symbol of devotion, enlightenment and leadership – all important values to her – and as a private symbol referring to her children. The cross-crosslets allude to her Christian faith and to her involvement in her church and diocese. They are also a symbol often found in the arms of people with the surname Howard. The laurel wreath is a symbol of achievement. It is also found in the arms of Collingwood School, with which Ms. Howard has had a long association as a benefactor, board member and volunteer.

Motto

These short phrases reflect Ms. Howard’s belief in the importance of taking action based on principle and conviction.

Flag

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

Badge

The blue curtain and the eagle’s head repeat the symbolism of the shield and crest respectively.

Arms of Christopher Michael Paul Howard, child of Darlene Sandra Howard

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

Arms of Henrik Christopher Howard, grandchild of Darlene Sandra Howard

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

Arms of Reid Alexander Paul Howard, child of Darlene Sandra Howard

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 March 28, 2020, in Volume 154, page 693 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert Watt, Rideau Herald Emeritus, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard


Recipient Information

Individual