- The Governor General of Canada
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Garreth David Thompson
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Badge
January 15, 2026
Vol. VIII, p. 468
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a griffin passant Or holding a quill, on a chief dovetailed Argent a bicycle wheel between two bombs Sable enflamed proper;
Crest
A demi-black bear affronty proper charged on the breast with a three-bladed screw Or, holding a rugby ball Argent under its dexter arm, the sinister paw outstretched, all issuant from a naval crown Or;
Motto
PER SPEM SUCCESSUS;
Badge
A black bear’s face jessant of flames proper within a belt Azure edged buckled and inscribed with the Motto Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue is the colour of the Royal Canadian Navy, in which Mr. Thompson has served for more than forty years. The griffin is a creature sometimes associated with military leadership and thus embodies his career as an officer. Since it is often depicted in mythology as a guardian of treasure, the griffin also alludes to Mr. Thompson’s logistical work in finance and supply, as well as his volunteer work as a treasurer for several military organizations. The quill refers to writing and record keeping, activities that dominated Mr. Thompson’s career. The dovetailed line evokes his passion for woodworking. The flaming bomb is taken from the qualification badge for Canadian Forces Ammunition Technical Officers, an area of expertise in which he spent part of his career, including responsibility for the Navy’s explosives safety program. The bicycle wheel alludes to his passion for cycling.
Crest
The black bear is an animal for which Mr. Thompson feels an affinity, and it is commonly found in his province of residence, Nova Scotia, and his native province of New Brunswick. The rugby ball represents one of his favourite sports, while the naval crown references his naval career. The three-bladed screw, also known as a propellor, is a traditional symbol of marine mechanics and is an allusion to the beginning of his naval career. It is also a pun on the position that he played in rugby, known as a “prop forward” or simply as a “prop.”
Motto
This Latin sentence, meaning “Success through optimism,” derives from Mr. Thompson’s experience renovating his first house, where he did much of the work himself without specific training or instructions. It attests to the conviction that individuals can gain expertise through experience, so long as they believe in their own abilities.
Badge
The belt is a traditional feature of Scottish badges and thus alludes to Mr. Thompson’s ancestry. The bear and flames repeat the symbolism of the Arms and Crest.
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
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Sachas Bénard
Recipient Information
Individual