John Howard Mackirdy, 22, disappeared in San Francisco on December 15, 1978, while visiting friends in the Castro District. He was reportedly going to meet an unknown man for dinner that evening and never returned to the residence where he was staying. Mackirdy is described as a white male, brown hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 6 inches, about 135 pounds, with a scar under his chin. When last seen he wore a blue nylon jacket with a fur collar, a white t-shirt, jeans and black boots; his dental records are on file.

Originally from the Los Angeles suburbs, Mackirdy was known to spend time in the Folsom Street area in South of Market, described at the time as a gay leather scene. His family does not believe he would have left his belongings and unopened Christmas presents, and they have placed a cenotaph marking his date of death as 1978. The San Francisco Police Department is listed as the investigating agency. If anyone knew John, his social circles, or where he was planning to meet that night, please share what you know.