If I may,
Let me add a couple of things to the stew.
Regardless of everyone's proclivities, the 30/30 isn't really an adequate bear cartridge. By adequate I mean a cartridge- rifle combination that insures, in the hands of an average hunter, a clean kill. I would recommend the 45-70 guide gun. The new 45-70 rounds that are available pack plenty of wallop. A large projectile at moderate velocity equalls penetration and energy transfer.
The 30-30 isn't a varmint round, but neither is the 45-70.
As to recoil, I may not be a good example. I have the same physical characteristics though. My main weapon for hunting is a Ruger#1 in 458WM. I use 510 grain soft points. My secondary is a Weatherby in 30-06. The Ruger weighs in at 8.5 lbs, and the Weatherby 6.75 lbs. Recoil doesn't bother me much, but I practice a lot, which helps familiarize one with recoil and its effects.
Having said all that, I think that the Marlin Guide gun would satisfy all the requirements. You've already handled the Marlin products so you know you like them. The 45/70 takes deer with ease, bear with confidence, and hogs with equal aplomb. With deer and hog, which don't usually present a threat, use standard 45-70 300 gr rounds. If you're going for bear switch to the Garrret 400 grainers. You'll be getting close to the 458 territory with them!
Practice with your gun. Buy 5 boxes of ammo and go thru them. Get into reloading if need be in order to cut your costs. Shoot as much and as often as is possible; the only way to be proficient is to practice.
Good Luck,
Albert