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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms
May 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 500
Arms of Ernest Michael Rhodes SkutezkyBlazonAzure a bend sinister wavy between two beaver pelts each within a stretching frame Argent; SymbolismThe blue and white have been used in Mr. Skutezky’s family in Austria, and they are also the colours of Quebec, where he grew up, as well as Scotland, the home of many of his ancestors. The white wavy stripe makes an allusion to the St. Lawrence River, flowing northeast into the Atlantic. It can also indicate the Danube River and thus his Austrian heritage. The beaver pelts represent his ancestors who were wintering partners of the North West Company. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a Loyalist civil coronet Argent, a cubit arm in armour, the hand gauntleted Azure holding a feather Argent penned Azure and a sprig of shamrocks Argent; SymbolismThe forearm holding a branch is used as a crest, with variations, by people named Rhodes (the family of his maternal grandmother). It has been differenced here with the Loyalist coronet, to represent Mr. Skutezky’s descent from the Reverend John Bethune, Regimental Chaplain of the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants). It alludes to his Canadian and English heritage. The feather indicates his Cree ancestors, and the shamrocks his Irish heritage. |
MottoBlazonSEMPER FIDELIS SEMPER LIBER; SymbolismThis Latin phrase, meaning “Always faithful, always free”, combines “Libertas”, the motto used by Mr. Skutesky's mother family (Evans), and “Modestus et Fideles”, the motto used by the Austrian Skutezkys. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 29, 2005 in Volume 139, page 3450 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterIlona Jurkiewicz CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |