The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
St. Catharines, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badges, with differences to Angela Marie Rourke, Johnathan Robert Wessel, Leanna Eileen Rourke and Kurtis Wayne Harvey
November 15, 2013
Vol. VI, p. 276
Arms of James William RourkeBlazonPer fess wavy Or and Sable three mullets in fess Gules between two lions passant counterchanged; SymbolismThe colours and figures of these arms are based on those of other O’Rourkes in Ireland. The three red stars are taken from the arms of Frew families and honour Mr. Rourke’s Scottish heritage. The wavy division line symbolizes a sine wave to represent career as a technology consultant. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a bar wavy Azure crested Argent a demi-otter Sable gauntletted Or grasping a sword proper; SymbolismThe otter, known in Irish folklore as Dubh Dobhar-chú, is a fierce creature inhabiting waterways. Here it symbolizes a love of the sea and of life. Its armour and sword evoke the crest of the O’Rourkes of Ireland. The wavy bar is in honour of past and present generations who served in various naval services. |
MottoBlazonĊUN BUA; SymbolismThis Irish Gaelic phrase means “To victory”. |
Flag of James William RourkeBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of James William RourkeBlazonA cross Gules surmounted by a three-towered castle Or enflamed proper; SymbolismThe badge for Mr. Rourke combines emblems from his two favourite cities: the red cross from the arms of Montreal and the burning castle from the arms of Dublin. The red cross also represents Mr. Rourke’s service to religious service organizations. |
Badge of Angela Marie Rourke, daughter of James William RourkeBlazonA chevron Gules surmounted by a heart held by two hands Or; SymbolismThe helping hand embodies ideas of friendship, and the chevron symbolizes the role of protection and support both as a union representative and as a roof for her cottage by the lake. |
Badge of Johnathan Robert Wessel, grandson of James William RourkeBlazonAn owl’s head erased proper collared Gules; SymbolismThe owl in his badge is his favourite bird and represents his pursuit of self-mastery, wisdom and knowledge. |
Badge of Leanna Eileen Rourke, daughter of James William RourkeBlazonAn Irish wolfhound’s head proper charged with a quatrefoil Gules; SymbolismThe wolfhound symbolizes her affection for dogs. |
Badge of Kurtis Wayne Harvey, grandson of James William RourkeBlazonA soccer ball proper charged with a scorpion Gules; SymbolismThe soccer ball represents his favourite game, and the scorpion alludes to his astrological sign, Scorpio. |
Differenced Arms for Kurtis Wayne Harvey, grandson of James William RourkeBlazonThe Arms of his mother Leanna Eileen Rourke debruised by a three-point label Gules; SymbolismThe label indicates that he will inherit the arms of his mother, Leanna Eileen Rourke. |
Differenced Arms for Leanna Eileen Rourke, daughter of James William RourkeBlazonThe Arms of James William Rourke debruised of a quatrefoil Gules in place of the central mullet; SymbolismThe shamrock of four petals indicates her Irish heritage and good fortune. |
Differenced Arms for Johnathan Robert Wessel, grandson of James William RourkeBlazonThe Arms of James William Rourke debruised of a five-point label Gules; SymbolismThe label of five points indicates a second-generation designated heir to his grandfather’s arms. |
Differenced Arms for Angela Marie Rourke, daughter of James William RourkeBlazonThe Arms of James William Rourke debruised of a three-point label Gules; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death; SymbolismThe label indicates that she is the eldest child and designated heir of her father’s arms. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 22, 2014 in Volume 148, page 656 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of James William Rourke and Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |