John Mackay

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.

Sidney, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
September 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 310

Arms of John Mackay
Arms of John Mackay
Flag of John Mackay
Badge of John Mackay
 
Arms of John Mackay

Arms of John Mackay

Blazon

Azure on an open book Argent winged Or a Spitfire aircraft diving in bend Azure, in base a bighorn sheep's head caboshed Or;

Symbolism

Both the Spitfire and the wings recall Mr. MacKay’s distinguished career as a pilot in World War II. The book celebrates his career in aviation instruction, and the head of the bighorn sheep was a symbol of Squadron 401, Mr. MacKay’s unit in World War II.

Crest

Blazon

Issuant from a circlet of mullets Argent, a bison statant Or;

Symbolism

The stars are a reference to an important element in the Costa Rican coat of arms and symbolize Mr. MacKay’s residence there. The bison celebrates his birthplace in Manitoba, and it also represents attributes of strength and determination.

Motto

Blazon

¡CUIDADO!;

Symbolism

This is a Spanish expression meaning “Be careful”.
Flag of John Mackay

Flag of John Mackay

Blazon

A banner of the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge of John Mackay

Badge of John Mackay

Blazon

On a triangle its apex in base Azure between three mullets Argent a sabre-toothed tiger's head and a lynx's head, both erased addorsed and conjoined at the neck, and in base a bighorn sheep's head caboshed Or;

Symbolism

The blue triangle represents one of the most important Air Force colours. The head of the bighorn sheep symbolizes Squadron 401, while the sabre-toothed tiger refers to Squadron 439 and the lynx to Squadron 416, other units in which Mr. MacKay served. The white stars represent his links to Costa Rica.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 686 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to John Mackay

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, and Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

David Farrar

Calligrapher

Doris Wionzek

Recipient Type

Individual