- The Governor General of Canada
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Charles Robert Kaiser
Aurora, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
November 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 331
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure semé of starbursts Argent, on a pile reversed Or a coronet Azure;
Crest
A sinister arm embowed proper vested Azure cuffed, holding a crescent wrench Argent and issuant from a circlet of goldenrod flowers Or and yucca flowers Argent;
Motto
SED UT MALIS MELIOR;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Two crescent wrenches in saltire Azure enfiling a coronet of starbursts Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The triangular pointed shape represents a spotlight’s beam and therefore Mr. Kaiser’s expertise as a theatrical lighting designer. Blue and amber (shown here as deep yellow) are considered emblematic of theatre lighting as this combination of colour filters is commonly used to balance shadows on performers’ faces. The starbursts signify fireworks, another area in which Mr. Kaiser is skilled. By extension, they also represent the excitement and spectacle of theatregoing. The crown is a canting reference to his name, which means “emperor” in German.
Crest
The wrench is the main tool used by Mr. Kaiser as a theatre technician and rigger. Goldenrod and yucca are the state flowers of Kentucky and New Mexico respectively, where Mr. Kaiser was born and grew up.
Motto
Meaning “But merely to be better than the worst,” this Latin phrase comes from Seneca’s book De Vita beata, chapter 17, “[...] do not require me to be on a level with the best of men, but merely to be better than the worst.”
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
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 Bruce Patterson, Deputy Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Katherine Golightly
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Individual