Robert Ian MacDonald

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Manotick, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge, with differences to Andew Ian MacDonald and David James MacDonald
January 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 272

Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald
Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald
Badge of Robert Ian MacDonald
Differenced Arms for Andrew Ian MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald Differenced Arms for David James MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald
 
Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald

Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald

Blazon

Argent semé of estoiles, on a Canadian pale Gules a crossconnect symbol Argent, on a chief Gules semé of estoiles a Canadian pale Argent charged with a dexter hand gauntleted fesswise holding a cross crosslet fitché Gules;

Symbolism

The arms are in the colours of Canada, red and white. The stars represent photons, minute bursts of radiant energy that form the units of the transmission of light. The crossconnect is a charge new to heraldry but one that has recently been introduced as a symbol into the field of telecommunications, indicating a place where many lines come together for routing. In combination with the symbols for photons, it represents Dr. MacDonald's profession as a photonic telecommunications engineer. The hand holding the cross crosslet has for centuries been a symbol of the Clan Donald, to which Dr. MacDonald belongs.

Crest

Blazon

A lymphad Gules, its sail unfurled Argent charged with an estoile Gules, flagged Argent;

Symbolism

The lymphad is a vessel traditional to both the Vikings and the inhabitants of the Scottish isles. It is the symbol of the branch of the Clan Donald to which Dr. MacDonald belongs – MacDonald of the Isles, from his family's origins in the Isle of Gigha – and represents as well his father's Icelandic ancestors. The red estoile refers to those found on the shield, making the crest unique to Dr. MacDonald and forming a "bridge" between crest and shield.

Motto

Blazon

I WONDER;

Symbolism

A phrase chosen by Dr. MacDonald as a statement of intellectual curiosity.

Badge of Robert Ian MacDonald

Badge of Robert Ian MacDonald

Blazon

A lymphad as in the Crest surrounded with a belt Gules buckled its tip adorned with a maple leaf Or and inscribed I WONDER in letters Argent;

Symbolism

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

Differenced Arms for Andrew Ian MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald

Differenced Arms for Andrew Ian MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald

Blazon

The Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald debruised of a three-point label Or; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;

Symbolism

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

Differenced Arms for David James MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald

Differenced Arms for David James MacDonald, son of Robert Ian MacDonald

Blazon

The Arms of Robert Ian MacDonald with a vol Argent in place of the crossconnect symbol;

Symbolism

The arms have been differenced with a pair of bird wings (in a U-shape) in white as a substitute for the crossconnect, in reference to achievements as a pilot.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on December 20, 2003 in Volume 137, page 3981 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Robert Ian MacDonaldLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to Robert Ian MacDonald

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Kevin Greaves, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

David Farrar

Calligrapher

Judith Bainbridge

Recipient Type

Individual