Arms: Argenton a bend bretessed Azure cotised Sable between in chief and in base a
Latin cross fleuryGules a key ward upwards
between two fleur-de-lys all bendwise Or.
Rationale: An ancient de Lafargue Coat of Arms read:
Or aazure bend cotised sable (black). This formed the foundation
for the Shield of the Coat of Arms. The Gold background was changed to White -
which gives it a predominately White and Blue coat of Arms reminencent of the
Coat of Arms of Nova Scotia where Grandpa and Grandma LeForte raised their
family.
The Blue Bend is indented to "cant" the name LeForte (fortress walls).
The Black lines were retained to represent the coal mines of Glace Bay, the
Birthplace of George LeForte and where his wife was raised.
The Crosses: are
red to recall the Cross of St. George and to recall that according to legend
St. Helen found the True Cross - so, both crosses refer to George and Helen
LeForte.
The Gold Key on the Blue Bend is a reference to St. Peter, George's
second name and to my name of Stewart, i.e. one who cares for things - i.e. a
steward.
The two fleur-de-lys recall the fact that we have French on Both
sides of our family tree: de Lafargue/LeForte and Boutilier (Helen's mother's
maiden name was Boutilier). With the two crosses, the two fleur-de-lys, and
the key - there are five elements representing the five children of Helen and
George LeForte.
Crest: On a helmet mantledAzure doubled Argent within a wreath of these colours issuant from a
coronet rim set above alternately with maple leaves Or and saltires Azure a
demi-tower Argent masoned Sable issuant thereof an
eagle winds elevated and addorsed Or head Argent bearing in its beak Or
a cross fleury fitchy Gules.
The helmet is common to most Coats of Arms. The flowing material
represents the fabric that hung at the back and neck of the helmet to prevent
the Sun from causing sunstroke, etc. The crest coronet is made of Maple Leafs
and Cross Saltires (X's) to represent Canada and Nova Scotia, as well, the "X"
recalls St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish NS, my alma mater.
The
demi-tower is again a canting, or play on the name "LeForte". The Eagle is
used because there were eagles in an ancient d' Etcheverry (Dad's Mother's
Maiden Name) Coat of Arms. The head of the bald eagle is a symbol for the Bras
d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive in Cape Breton where I live.
Mottos:(Above the Crest) In Hoc Signo
Amas. - translation: IN This Sign Love(Below the Shield) Turris Fortis Mihi
Deus. Translat.: God is my
Tower of Strength.
By Letters Patent Supplement dated
June 7, 2000, those entitled to bear to inherit the arms of John Stewart A.
LeForte (due and proper differences) was changed to all the descendants of
Jean Baptiste LeForte and marie Louise Josephine Detcheverry, grandparents of
Stewart LeForte
© Image and Blazon April 23
1996
