- The Governor General of Canada
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William Dale Murray
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 292
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a griffin segreant Gules holding in its dexter claw a flax flower, on a chief Azure three mullets Argent;
Crest
Issuant from an antique crown Or a bison's head in trian aspect Murrey accorné Or;
Motto
SERVUS REGINAE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a mullet Argent a griffin's head erased Gules;
Symbolism
Arms
The griffin is taken from the arms associated with Forsythe, representing Mr. Murray's maternal ancestry. As the Forsythes settled around Londonderry in Ireland, it is made unique here by having between its claws a flax flower, which is taken from the arms of Londonderry County Council and which has been used as a symbol of Northern Ireland. The griffin is also a symbol of the legal profession, and it is found in the arms of the Faculty of Law of the University of British Columbia, where Mr. Murray took his law degree. The red and white colours make a reference to Canada. The upper part of the shield, or chief, uses three white stars on blue, an arrangement of the arms of Murray (borne by the Clan Chief, the Duke of Atholl). This is a reference to Mr. Murray's paternal ancestry.
Crest
The bison's head is a reference to Mr. Murray's birthplace of Manitoba and his family ties with the Prairie provinces. It is shown in the heraldic tincture of "Murrey" or deep red, a pun on the surname. The crown is the type found on the arms and flag of British Columbia, and therefore it serves as a reminder of the province where Mr. Murray lives and works.
Motto
A Latin phrase meaning "A servant of the Queen". It refers to Mr. Murray's loyalty and his past military service.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
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 December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3982 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Graham Anderson, Cowichan Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Karen Mackay
Recipient Information
Individual