A commemorative 49-cent stamp to honour Canada's 24th Governor General was unveiled Tuesday in front of 250 guests during a special ceremony.

The stamp, available across Canada, is a photo of the Right Honourable Ray Hnatyshyn in formal dress, tipping his hat with a smile, against a bronze, tone-on-tone background depicting part of the heraldic coat of arms created for him.

The photo was taken by Canadian Press photographer Paul Chiasson on the day Hnatyshyn became Governor General.

Ray Hnatyshyn stamp unveiled
Ray Hnatyshyn stamp unveiled

INDEPTH: Ramon John Hnatyshyn

"Ray Hnatyshyn was warm, caring and so very dedicated to his country and his fellow Canadians," said Anne Joynt, acting president and CEO of Canada Post. "The stamp we are unveiling today shows that his country regards him with equal esteem."

The stamp was created by Vancouver designer Susan Mavor who said she tried to express Hnatyshyn's thoughtfulness and sense of humour in her design.

Hnatyshyn, who would have turned 70 this year, was appointed Governor General in 1990 by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Hnatyshyn died in 2002 following a long battle with cancer.

During the unveiling ceremony Hnatyshyn's wife, Gerda said, "My husband would have been so pleased with the commemorative stamp."The day on which the photograph was taken that is represented on the stamp was January 29th 1990, one of the happiest days of his life."