- 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 Peter Ratzlaff
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Flag
December 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 240
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Purpure on a pale sapinagé Or two keys addorsed their bows interlaced Purpure;
Crest
An ox couchant guardant Or on a grassy mount set with four flame azaleas proper;
Motto
OPEN EYES SEE AROUND;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Purple is a highly-regarded colour in China, where Mr. Ratzlaff lived for many years. The fir twigs represent his love of trees. The keys symbolize the unlocking of the door to wisdom, as well as the edification of those who are in custodial residences as charges of Correctional Services Canada, where Mr. Ratzlaff also taught. As the keys are pointing in opposite directions, they evoke the idea of studying history to help plan the future.
Crest
To Mr. Ratzlaff, the ox, a symbol of strength, represents the importance of physical fitness. The rhododendron is his favourite flower, of which the flame azalea is a species. Their number represents his four children.
Motto
This phrase is both an observation and a direction. It indicates Mr. Ratzlaff’s belief that alertness is necessary to grasp the wealth of opportunities that come from education and nature. It is also a call for others to open their eyes to appreciate what is around them.
Flag
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 January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual