- The Governor General of Canada
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David Vernon Steeves
Mississauga, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge, with differences to Matthew David Steeves
November 10, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 326
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a cross Azure fimbriated Or charged with a portcullis, all between in the first and fourth quarters a lion's face and in the second and third quarters a stag's head caboshed Or;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet of maple leaves and tryzubs Or, a demi-eagle displayed Azure each wing charged with a fleur-de-lis Or;
Motto
HONOUR IN SERVICE;
Badge
The Crest encircled by a belt Gules buckled, edged and inscribed MDCCLXVI in letters Or;
Differenced Arms for Matthew David Steeves, son of David Vernon Steeves
The Arms of David Vernon Steeves debruised of a three-point label Argent; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;
Symbolism
Arms
The design refers to Mr. Steeves’ career as a customs officer and his family heritage. Blue and gold have long been associated with the customs service, as has the portcullis. The lions’ heads represent his English ancestral heritage, and the stags’ heads refer to the arms of Württemberg and thus to his German heritage.
Crest
The maple leaves represent service to Canada. The tryzubs and fleurs-de-lis refer to other parts of family heritage. Mr. Steeves’ own spirit is symbolized by the eagle.
Motto
HONOUR IN SERVICE expresses an important aspect of Mr. Steeves’ personal philosophy.
Badge
The inscription of the belt, MDCCLXVI (1766), marks the date when Mr. Steeves’ paternal ancestors first settled in the Hillsborough area of what was then Nova Scotia, now New Brunswick.
Differenced Arms for Matthew David Steeves, son of David Vernon Steeves
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 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, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Karen Mackay
Recipient Information
Individual