Arms of Edward William Thomas
Blazon
Per bend sinister enarched, in chief bendy wavy Gules and Or, in base Or the silhouette of a red kite bird tergiant volant bendwise Gules;
Symbolism
The red kite, the official bird of Wales, symbolizes Mr. Thomas’s Welsh ancestors. As the red kite was saved from extinction in Great Britain through a successful conservation program, it also serves as a symbol of hope. Its soaring movement expresses Mr. Thomas’s wish of betterment and accomplishment through learning. The colours and the wavy stripes allude to a sunset over Lake Huron, where Mr. Thomas has a cottage, and to his family’s love of the outdoors. The outreaching sunbeams also represent his career as an educator.
Crest of Edward William Thomas
Blazon
A red kite bird proper its claw resting on a torteau;
Symbolism
The red kite repeats the symbolism of the Arms. The disc alludes to a ball, and by extension it represents Mr. Thomas’s work as a volunteer coaching boys’ and girls’ sports teams, as well as his position as head of physical education at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School in Brantford, Ontario.
Motto of Edward William Thomas
Blazon
PER INTEGRITATEM CRESCENS;
Symbolism
This Latin phrase means “Growing through integrity.”