- The Governor General of Canada
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Christopher Evan Richardson
Forsyth, Georgia, United States of America
Grant of Arms and Flag, with differences to Samantha Leslie Richardson
March 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 361
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Sable a dolphin uriant, in chief a bar gemel wavy Or;
Crest
A laurel tree Or leaved Sable and Gules;
Motto
TO THE SEAS I WENT;
Flag
A standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly Or charged with a dolphin uriant Sable between two laurel leaves Gules, all separated by two bends sinister Sable;
Differenced Arms for Samantha Leslie Richardson, child of Christopher Evan Richardson
The Arms of Christopher Evan Richardson within a bordure Or during her father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Black is the colour of the uniform worn by Mr. Richardson during his service on ships and submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy. The heraldic dolphin is featured in the Navy badges for ship divers and submariners, two roles in which he has served. The wavy stripes evoke the ocean, which has been an integral part of his life for decades, both in the Navy and in his career in the diving industry.
Crest
The laurel tree evokes the wreaths made of laurel leaves which are frequently deployed as symbols of victory, and which are used in many countries as a reference to a master’s degree. This celebrates Mr. Richardson’s love for learning, as well as his graduate studies. It further refers to the tree of knowledge while also alluding to his work as an educator in diving and first aid, and as a business adjunct.
Motto
This phrase is adapted from a line in John Masefield’s poem “Sea-Fever.” It reflects Mr. Richardson’s abiding love for the sea, as well as the profound impact it has had on his life.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Samantha Leslie Richardson, child of Christopher Evan Richardson
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 Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual