Howard Steedman Bass, 41, vanished in late summer 1981 after a final confirmed sighting at the Anchorage Airport on August 7. That same day his credit card was used in Kodiak, the last known financial activity tied to him. He was living in the Becharof Lake area, filming brown bears, and was reported wearing an olive or green raincoat and pants when last seen.

Howard’s vehicle was later found abandoned at the Soldotna landfill. A witness said they saw him walking away from the landfill and that he told them he had lost his keys and needed to get to Seldovia. The Alaska State Troopers opened an investigation on September 3, 1981. There is no indication he ever secured transportation off Kodiak Island, and what happened to him after the last credit card use remains unknown.

If anyone knew Howard’s travel plans, saw him on or after August 7, 1981, or has information about his movements between Kodiak and Seldovia, please come forward.