Good story!
Yes, I passed on a bear several years ago while deer hunting with my muzzle loader. Black sow was working towards me, I was waiting, ready, and at 30 - 50 yards I noticed she had a cub trailing along about a hundred yards behind her. Had to think fast. Stood up, ready to shoot, and said "Hi Bear" in a real calm voice. She stopped, woofed, looked for a while and headed east fast - with the cub trying hard to keep up. It was pretty funny, and I'm glad I didn't shoot mama bear that day.