Vickie Slade, 75, of Sitka and Ketchikan, passed away on October 19, 2025, in Ketchikan, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty, and an irreplaceable space in the hearts of those who loved her.
Born in Sitka in 1950 to Harry and Kate Sulser, Vickie grew up in the close-knit community she would forever call home. She graduated from Sitka High School and in 1969 married Mick Tisher. That same year, she welcomed her first daughter, Shawn, followed by her second daughter, Shannon, in 1971.
Vickie’s creativity and gift for connecting with people led her to beauty school in Seattle before returning home to Sitka, where she purchased and operated her beloved shop, Harbor Hair. For many years, her chair was more than a place for haircuts, it was a place of laughter, stories, encouragement, and community. She was deeply involved in the Special Olympics, Emblem Club, and the Alaska Day Committee. She especially loved her elders and was known for offering a bright smile, an upbeat spirit, and her famous words: “Move it or lose it.”
Vickie was stunning — not just in appearance, but in presence. She carried herself with confidence and spark. Her smile could light up a room, and her gorgeous voice had a warmth and richness that made people lean in and listen. When she laughed — and she laughed often — it was contagious. You didn’t just hear it, you felt it.
In the 1980s, she met Alan Slade, and the two were married on July 18, 1987. Together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and hard work. In 1996, she sold Harbor Hair and moved to Ketchikan for a new chapter. Vickie continued doing hair for several years before retiring and eventually working alongside Alan in his painting business, Red Star Painting. The two became known for their craftsmanship and the colorful touch they left on many beloved Ketchikan landmarks. More than anything, they loved the people they met along the way.
While her work and community involvement were meaningful, those who knew Vickie best will remember something even greater: her fierce loyalty and unwavering love. She was the person you wanted on your team — the one who would stand by you, defend you, and never give up on you. If Vickie loved you, you knew it. She had your back, always.
She and Alan shared an adventurous spirit, spending months traveling the open road in their van, cruising Highway 101, exploring Baja, and crossing the country together. They built a life not only of work, but of memories, movement, and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Kate Sulser; her sisters, Sue and Karen; her beloved daughter, Shawn Tisher; and her husband, Alan Slade.
She is survived by her daughter, Shannon Tisher; her grandchildren, Tanelle Olson, Michael Wiegand, and Matthew Wiegand; her great-granddaughters, Helmi and Heidi Versteeg; her sisters Linda and Sandy; her brothers Scott and David; and many nieces and nephews.A party is planned 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Sitka Elks Lodge.
Though she and Alan are incredibly missed, their love and impact live on in the family they built, the friendships they nurtured, and the countless lives they touched. Her spark remains in every story told, every burst of laughter, and every act of fierce loyalty carried forward in her name.
