- 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.
Robert Ian MacDonald
Manotick, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge, with differences to Andew Ian MacDonald and David James MacDonald
January 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 272
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent semé of estoiles, on a Canadian pale Gules a crossconnect symbol Argent, on a chief Gules semé of estoiles a Canadian pale Argent charged with a dexter hand gauntleted fesswise holding a cross crosslet fitché Gules;
Crest
A lymphad Gules, its sail unfurled Argent charged with an estoile Gules, flagged Argent;
Motto
I WONDER;
Badge
A lymphad as in the Crest surrounded with a belt Gules buckled its tip adorned with a maple leaf Or and inscribed I WONDER in letters Argent;
Differenced Arms for Andrew Ian MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald
The Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald debruised of a three-point label Or; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;
Differenced Arms for David James MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald
The Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald with a vol Argent in place of the crossconnect symbol;
Symbolism
Arms
The arms are in the colours of Canada, red and white. The stars represent photons, minute bursts of radiant energy that form the units of the transmission of light. The crossconnect is a charge new to heraldry but one that has recently been introduced as a symbol into the field of telecommunications, indicating a place where many lines come together for routing. In combination with the symbols for photons, it represents Dr. MacDonald's profession as a photonic telecommunications engineer. The hand holding the cross crosslet has for centuries been a symbol of the Clan Donald, to which Dr. MacDonald belongs.
Crest
The lymphad is a vessel traditional to both the Vikings and the inhabitants of the Scottish isles. It is the symbol of the branch of the Clan Donald to which Dr. MacDonald belongs – MacDonald of the Isles, from his family's origins in the Isle of Gigha – and represents as well his father's Icelandic ancestors. The red estoile refers to those found on the shield, making the crest unique to Dr. MacDonald and forming a "bridge" between crest and shield.
Motto
A phrase chosen by Dr. MacDonald as a statement of intellectual curiosity.
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Andrew Ian MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for David James MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald
The arms have been differenced with a pair of bird wings (in a U-shape) in white as a substitute for the crossconnect, in reference to achievements as a pilot.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3981 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Kevin Greaves, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Individual