Phil DuFresne has always been a man of faith. Back in the 70's, "Big Bear" was a long haul truck driver with a wife and two kids. One day he was tying down his load and got snapped in the eye with his rubber rope. He was blinded in his right eye as a result. Time for a career change. In 1979, Bear and wife Judy purchased the market in Springdale from Ellis "Fox" Wheeler and his wife, June. They believed that Corbett would be a wonderful place to raise their family and they had faith the purchase of the store would provide a new opportunity for them. Being a youth pastor earlier in his life at New Hope Community Church, he was given the nickname "Big Bear" and it stuck. He brought the name with him to Corbett. Raising his son Vince and daughter Michelle in Corbett was wonderful, and Bear has appreciated seeing three generations of families pass before him before retiring from the store in 2009. He has three grand kids and continues his acts of service in the community. Over the years he has been a volunteer firefighter, supported the youth with their sports programs, sponsored the pumpkin patch for all the kindergartners and has been a ring leader for putting together the July 4th activities. Currently Bear is leading a bible study each Wednesday evening at Bridal Veil Church on Lucas Road. They are studying the book of 1 John, and Bear says he is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with others. He feels that no one deserves to die alone, and he has met with numerous folks in their last days to be at their side and provide support and guidance. In his free time, Bear loves to do both wood burning and carving as well as build model trucks and cars. Leave Corbett anytime soon? "Never."
