- 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.
Gordon Samuel Way
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of Arms
November 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 450
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on a bend embattled-counter-embattled Or between two cross crosslets Argent, a pellet between two maple leaves Gules;
Crest
A stag at gaze Azure attired and unguled Or supporting with its foreleg a patriarchal cross Gules and standing on a grassy mount environed by trilliums proper;
Motto
VIA ET VOLUNTAS;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The maple leaves symbolize Mr. Way’s Canadian nationality. The black disc, representing a cannon ball, likely alludes to those in the badge of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, in which he served as a Major.
Crest
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The stag possibly alludes to the stag’s head in the badge of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, in which Mr. Way served during the Second World War and of which he was later the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel. The cross, also known as a cross of Lorraine, alludes to the fact that his maternal ancestors, named Ruttan, came from Lorraine in France. The trillium is a symbol of Ontario, Mr. Way’s home province.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “The way and the will,” making a pun on Mr. Way’s surname.
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 the College of Arms, London.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 31 December 1973.