This info was sent to me from my uncle, Stewart LeForte.

Coat of Arms granted to John Stewart Archibald LeForte and the other direct descendants of George Peter LeForte (ne LaFargue) and Helen Louise MacIsaac (nee Bradley) on April 23 1996 by the Heraldic Authority of Canada, Ottawa.

Arms: Argent on a bend bretessed Azure cotised Sable between in chief and in base a Latin cross fleury Gules a key ward upwards between two fleur-de-lys all bendwise Or.

Explanation: An ancient Lafargue Coat of Arms read: Gold a blue bend cotised sable (black). This formed the foundation for the Shield of our Coat of Arms. The Gold background was changed to White - which gives it a Predominately White and Blue coat of Arms reminiscent 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 Key on the Blue Bend is a reference to St. Peter, George's second name and to my name of Stewart, 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: LeForte/Lafargue 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 mantled Azure 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 crown is made of Maple Leafs and Cross Saltires (X's) to represent Canada and Nova Scotia, as well, the "X" recalls my degree from St. F.X. University. The demi-tower is again a canting, or play on the name "LeForte". The Eagle is used because there were eagles in an ancient Detcheverry Coat of Arms. It is bald to recall that most of the LeForte men are bald. Seriously, the head of the bald eagle is a symbol for the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive.

Motto: (Above the Crest) In Hoc Signo Amas. - translation: IN This Sign Love (Below the Shield) Turris Fortis Mihi Deus. Translation: God is for me a Tower of Strength.

Special thanks to my Uncle, Stewart LeForte, for all the work he put into the crest, and related materials. Click here for Stewart's web site.