Arms of William Douglas Kirkwood

Blazon

Gules a pile reversed, on a chief sapiné Argent a bar gemel Gules;

Symbolism

The triangular shape alludes to a steeple, and thus to a church or “Kirk”. The tree-like division line refers to the “wood” of Mr. Kirkwood’s name; it also creates the impression of energy and therefore symbolizes his career in telecommunications. The two narrow bands can refer to telephone lines and thus Mr. Kirkwood’s career with Bell Canada; the fact that they are alternating bands of red and white can indicate the bandaging of a wound and therefore first aid. The red and white colours are those of Canada, of the Order of St. John, and of the Red Cross organization.