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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
July 23, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 138
Arms of Lewis David St Columb Skene-MelvinBlazonAzure on a plate encircled by thirteen mullets Argent, a thistle slipped and leaved proper; SymbolismThe blue and white and the thistle represent Mr. Skene-Melvin’s paternal heritage in Scotland, while his maternal family, the Hilles of the Baltimore area, is symbolized by the thirteen white stars, indicative of the American colonies at the time of the Revolution. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet erablé Argent a dexter cubit arm proper grasping a closed book Gules charged with a pistol Argent; SymbolismThe coronet of maple leaves represents Mr. Skene-Melvin’s citizenship and his service to Canada and to Canadian literary studies. The book, in Canada’s national colours, symbolizes his contribution in the field of literature, libraries, education, and to the Crime Writers of Canada. Mr. Skene-Melvin’s authoritative work on crime fiction in Canada is indicated by the pistol on the book. |
MottoBlazonΟΙ ΚΥΒΟΙ ΑΙΟΣ ΑΕΙ ΕΥΠΙΠΤΟΥΣΙ; SymbolismThis Greek saying, meaning “The dice of the gods are always loaded”, originated in a fragment (895) of an unknown play by Sophocles. |
Badge of Lewis David St Columb Skene-MelvinBlazonA closed book Gules charged with a pistol Argent surmounting two quill pens in saltire each per pale Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe book repeats the symbolism of the crest, while quills in the form of a St. Andrew’s cross link literature and Mr. Skene-Melvin’s Scottish roots. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on February 22, 2003 in Volume 137, page 517 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 PainterIlona Jurkiewicz CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeIndividual |