- The Governor General of Canada
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Alan Bruce Clark
Finch, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Isla Madge Clark
February 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 358
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Azure and Gules, in chief a bagpipe in base a three-masted ship and in each flank a poppy slipped and leaved Or;
Crest
A great horned owl its head to the dexter proper, grasping in its sinister claw a quill Or, its shaft Azure, issuant from a coronet of thistles, maple leaves and shamrocks Or;
Motto
FORTITUDO;
Flag
A banner of the Arms, adextré Or a quill Azure;
Badge
A great horned owl its head to the dexter proper within a belt Gules edged buckled and inscribed with the Motto all surmounting a sword fesswise point to the sinister Or;
Differenced Arms for Isla Madge Clark, child of Alan Bruce Clark
The Arms of Alan Bruce Clark debruised of a heart Or instead of the bagpipe during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Navy blue and burgundy are the colours of the Ceremonial Guard, the military unit for which Mr. Clark has been the Pipe Major for many years. The field is divided in an X-shape to represent the Scottish cross of St. Andrew and the Irish cross of St. Patrick, thereby alluding to Mr. Clark’s ancestral origins. The bagpipe embodies his career as a bagpipe player and teacher. The poppies refer to his military career and his experiences of performing for numerous commemorative ceremonies. The galleon evokes the ship Protector on which his Irish ancestors sailed to Canada in 1834.
Crest
The owl is a bird for which Mr. Clark has always felt a particular affinity. The quill is a canting reference to Mr. Clark’s surname, derived from the Irish word for "clerk," i.e. scholar. It further evokes the idea of musical composition, thus referring to Mr. Clark’s profession. The thistles and shamrocks allude to his Scottish and Irish ancestry respectively, while the maple leaves evoke the pride he feels in Canada.
Motto
This Latin word, meaning “Fortitude,” expresses a value dear to Mr. Clark.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The owl repeats the symbolism of the Crest. This style of emblem, with a belt encircling a symbol, evokes typical Scottish badges, therefore honouring Mr. Clark’s maternal ancestry, as does the broadsword.
Differenced Arms for Isla Madge Clark, child of Alan Bruce Clark
The heart symbolizes Mr. Clark’s love for his daughter.
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 Alan Clark and Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Individual