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Paradise, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms and Badge
December 22, 1993
Vol. II, p. 269
Arms of William Bruce GillisBlazonArgent a lymphad Azure sails furled oars in action Argent a pennon from the mainmast Azure and two flags Argent a saltire Azure from staffs fore and aft all flying to the sinister on a chief Azure a mountain cat (Felis concolor) salient grasping between the forepaws a drum Argent; SymbolismThe ship and the mountain cat are charges frequently encountered in Gillis or Gillies arms, indicating the family’s association with the Clan Macpherson. The ship also symbolizes New Brunswick, Mr. Gillis’s birth province, whose arms feature a similar ship; its blue and white saltire flags recall the flag of Nova Scotia, Mr. Gillis’s home province. The drum honours his position as Drum Sergeant in the bands of the West Nova Scotia Regiment and of Canadian Forces Base Greenwood. |
CrestBlazonAn eagle displayed Bleu-Celeste grasping in the dexter claw an ansul Argent; SymbolismThe eagle honours the service of Mr. Gillis’s father in the Royal Canadian Air Force. As the principal charge on the arms of Dalhousie University, it also commemorates Mr. Gillis’s education at and service to the university. The balance, or ansul, symbolizes his membership in the legal profession. |
MottoBlazonINTEGRITATE SERVIO; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means "I serve with integrity". |
Badge of William Bruce GillisBlazonA plate charged with an ansul surmounting shepherd's crooks in saltire Azure; SymbolismThe shepherd’s crooks recall the etymology of Gillis, which in Gaelic means “Servant of Jesus”. They are positioned in saltire in reference to the saltire on the arms of Nova Scotia. The balance refers to the crest. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 19, 1994 in Volume 128, page 1685 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterJoan Ouellette CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeIndividual |