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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Badge
June 20, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 286
Arms of Samuel Wenzel BillichBlazonVert a griffin segreant Or on a chief Sable a balance between two Maltese crosses Argent; SymbolismGreen, gold and black celebrate Jamaica where Mr. Billich was born. Green and gold are also the colours of Ontario, his province of residence and community service. The griffin appears in the arms borne by Billichs in Luxembourg. It is also associated with justice, as in Greek mythology it was said to pull the chariot of Nemesis, Goddess of Justice. The scales of justice refer to Captain Billich's position as a Justice of the Peace. The two Maltese crosses represent his service in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem and the corporate body known as the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet erablé Or a demi rat Sable holding in its dexter paw a sword Or; SymbolismThe coronet symbolizes Captain Billich's varied contributions to Canada. The black rat appears in the arms borne by the Billichs of Bavaria. Captain Billich's military service is represented by the sword. |
MottoBlazonPER FIDEM PERSEVERANS; SymbolismA Latin phrase meaning "Perseverance through Faith". |
Badge of Samuel Wenzel BillichBlazonA griffin segreant Or bearing between its claws a pellet charged with a Maltese cross Argent; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 20, 2003 in Volume 137, page 3982 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterRobert Grey CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeIndividual |