Leland "Bud" Novotny, age 87, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2013 at the Mount Vernon Life Care Center.Bud was born on May 3, 1926 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the second of two children to A.M. "Pink" and Leona Novotny.After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1944, he followed in the steps of many young men at that time and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Bud was stationed at various Naval Stations and was released from active duty after the conclusion of World War II.Following military service, Bud returned to Mount Vernon and found work at the Mount Vernon Post Office. He eventually rose to the position of Assistant Postmaster and retired in 1981 after more than thirty years of dedicated service. While working at the Post Office, he met and fell in love with Shirley Jean Gunerius of Stanwood, who was then working at Bert Robinson's in downtown Mount Vernon. They married in 1951 and raised five children in their Mount Vernon home.Bud was an extremely active person who always worked two and even three jobs to support his large family. Many of his secondary jobs involved all aspects of farming and he always said that farming was "his dream job". He was a life time "doer" who just jumped in and did the necessary work to complete whatever type of project came up at work or home.After retiring from the Post Office, Bud went into business with two other partners and they formed and operated BB&W Auto Wrecking in Sedro-Woolley for approximately ten years. Bud always enjoyed working at the wrecking yard, interacting with customers and most of all, having his son Steve at his side.Bud was also very active in the community and was a Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighter for over 30 years, a long time member of the Skagit County Selective Service Board, a United Way Board member, a Lifetime member of the Mount Vernon Elks Club and the American Legion Club. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Planning Commission and later served two terms on the Mount Vernon City Council from 1974 to 1982. He was never particularly concerned with what others might think of his opinions and often voiced them openly and on the record. Those who knew and loved him simply nodded their heads and said "Well, that's Bud".Bud was quick to help those in need and his family knew him as very tolerant and nonjudgmental of people and their lifestyles. One of his greatest pleasures was raising pheasant hunting dogs and he always looked forward to his annual week long pheasant hunt in Eastern Washington with best friend John Higgins.Bud was preceded in death by his father A.M. "Pink" Novotny (former Mayor of Mount Vernon), his mother Leona (Denis), daughter Connie Middleton, and former wife Shirley who remained a loving friend, sister: Anita Haake. He is survived by his son Steve Novotny (companion LeeAnne Payne) of Mount Vernon, daughters and sons-in-law Wendy and Ron Fore, Heidi and Eric Stendal of Sedro-Woolley, and Gretchen and Curtis Hood of Eatonville; also numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and longtime companion Billie Wolford.A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Hawthorne Reception Room, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Cremation and arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home.The family asks that you join them for coffee and dessert on the 24th and share some of your funny stories. -