Jonathan Harbin

Portland punk rock legend Jonathan James "Jonny Cat" Harbin was born on November 29, 1978, at Kaiser Hospital in Estacada, Oregon, to Samuel Wesley Harbin of Pebble Beach, California, and Anne Catherine Deahl of Estacada. He was proud of his Cherokee and Coastal Siletz heritage.

The youngest in his family, Jonny grew up alongside his siblings Lori Carskadon, Carey "Razz" Carskadon and Sarah Delilah Harbin. From an early age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit-reselling candy and pizza slices at school as a side hustle. Academically gifted, Jonny excelled in school, earning straight A's throughout high school. He graduated as valedictorian of Estacada High School in 1996, though his rebellious streak clashed with the administration. His chosen yearbook photo-featuring a sneering young Jonny with a shaved head against a tattered American flag with burn holes-was deemed too punk for publication. Similarly, the school denied him the opportunity to give his valedictorian speech for fear that his message would be too subversive. Offered a scholarship from OSU after graduation, Jonny instead chose a life of adventure, traveling the world and embracing new experiences.

Jonny's father gifted him a van in his youth, which became his ticket to freedom. He spent countless days surfing Oregon's rugged coastline at Devil's Punchbowl and Short Sands. He later ventured to Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he found another beloved surf spot. His love for tiki culture and Hawaii also reflected his passion for exploration.

In his early twenties, Jonny grew close to his half-brother Razz. The two shared many adventures-including lucrative gambling trips to Reno and Las Vegas. They studied The Wizard of Odds religiously, quizzing each other on blackjack and poker strategies. Their biggest win at a casino was around $18,000.

A creative force in Portland's punk scene during the late '90s and early 2000s, Jonny published the revenge-themed 'zine *CREEP* under the alter ego "Jonny Creep." In 2000, he launched Jonny Cat Records-cheekily borrowing its logo from the cat litter brand-releasing records for underground bands that defined an era. As a musician himself, he played guitar in The Black Rebels and The Triggers and was lead singer in The Chemicals. At the heart of Portland's punk community, he booked shows, screen-printed T-shirts and record covers, loaned out musical equipment, and brought people together through music.

Jonny thrived as an entrepreneur and self-proclaimed "scambler," delighting in pranks and lighthearted schemes. Whether running a used car dealership or scouring estate sales for hidden treasures to resell, he had an uncanny ability to turn anything into an opportunity. His eclectic career spanned roles as a sommelier, wine shop owner, pizza shop owner, record label founder, musician, cab driver-and more than one could count. His collection of oddities included everything from vintage memorabilia to obsolete weapons.

Beyond business ventures and music scenes, Jonny was known for his mischievous charm and infectious energy. He loved pushing boundaries-sometimes literally peer-pressuring friends into wild alcohol fueled nights filled with mind erasers or blotter acid escapades. No matter how late the night went or how heavy the hangovers hit others around him-Jonny would somehow bounce back effortlessly and drive Radio Cab for twelve hours straight.

In 2002, Jonny met Tina "Boom Boom" Lucchesi-the love of his life-and together they created beautiful punk rock history. Their band Cyclops toured across America, Europe, and Japan while releasing records that captured their raw energy.

Eight years ago, Jonny was diagnosed with cancer-a battle he faced with courage despite grueling treatments that tested his resilience. The financial burden of medical care forced him to sell nearly everything he owned-including his house-to afford treatment costs. Multiple GoFundMe campaigns were launched; benefit shows were held; friends from Portland and beyond rallied around him time after time. Through it all, Tina remained by his side as they navigated surgeries, chemotherapy rounds, experimental treatments in Maryland-and every moment in between.

Now free from pain at last-Jonny leaves behind a legacy of rebellion and camaraderie that will never be forgotten. Raise a glass for Jonny-the man who named himself after a cat litter mascot-and remember him always.

A public memorial service will be held on Monday, February 24th from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Polaris Hall (635 N Killingsworth Ct., Portland OR 97217), where friends and family will gather to celebrate his extraordinary life.