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Bracebridge, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge, with differences to Meaghan Elizabeth McLean and Geoffrey Spencer McLean
May 15, 2017
Vol. VI, p. 723
Arms of John Ross McLeanBlazonPer chevron Vert and Argent three bars wavy Azure surmounted by a seahorse Argent crined and finned Or gorged with a pallium proper; SymbolismThe green evokes the land and the blue and white waves the ocean, alluding to the fact that Mr. McLean has lived or worked on almost every continent. The wavy lines represent the “seven seas” upon which he has sailed. The chevron division alludes to a roof line, acknowledging Mr. McLean’s passion for architecture and the homes which he has designed and built. The seahorse symbolizes Mr. McLean’s interest in ocean life and brings together in one symbol the two sports (track and swimming) in which he has competed internationally. The pallium, which is the main heraldic charge on the arms of the Diocese of Canterbury in England, signifies the deep ties Mr. McLean has with the diocese and with the Anglican Communion as a whole. The pallium reminds him, as a student of religion, of his aspiration to serve. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet of escallops Or, the rim Argent charged with Maltese crosses Vert and maple leaves Gules, a tower proper; SymbolismThe tower is from the crest of the Maclean clan, of which Mr. McLean is a member. The shell is a symbol of pilgrimage, honouring his ancestors who went to the Holy Land on pilgrimage. The Maltese crosses represent the principles of his work in hospice and palliative care: dignity, caring and respect. The maple leaves signify the two times Mr. Mclean wore a uniform representing his country in international games. |
MottoBlazonSERVICE MINE HONOUR; SymbolismThis phrase signifies Mr. McLean’s many years of charitable work in hospice and palliative care and answers the motto of his clan chief, “Virtue mine honour”. |
Flag of John Ross McLeanBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of John Ross McLeanBlazonA standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with the Crest between two representations of the Badge, all separated by two bends sinister Azure inscribed with the Motto in letters Argent; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of John Ross McLeanBlazonA green sea turtle tergiant Vert charged with a koru Or; SymbolismThe green sea turtle reminds Mr. McLean of swimming in the Pacific Ocean with his wife and daughter, the magic of coming upon a pod of turtles in the wild, and of the grace and gentleness they possess. The koru represents the occasion when Mr. McLean and his son were made honorary iwi (members) of a Maori tribe in New Zealand. |
Differenced Arms for Meghan Elizabeth McLean, daughter of John Ross McLeanBlazonThe Arms of John Ross McLean debruised of a three-point label Or during her father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Geoffrey Spencer McLean, son of John Ross McLeanBlazonThe Arms of John Ross McLean within a bordure Or; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 31, 2018 in Volume 152, page 895 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of John Ross McLean, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterRobert Grey CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |