The notion of such a family-run enterprise is probably rare these days. When I first got into sailing, Defender was just a strange name that kept appearing in PS articles, but I soon figured it out. Describing items over the phone by page number was a unique experience. And as you once told me, the way your father often dealt with customers on the phone made you wonder why they came back. I do remember those days but have rarely strayed.
My condolences to you and your family.