This account is written by Christian Jacob, Maynard's son-in-law, who for
a time performed in Maynard's band on piano.

...Lastly, I'd like to recount the most touching moment I'll ever remember.
My 22-year-old cat, Dezi, whom
Maynard was very fond of (he used to bounce her up and down on his belly)
passed away. It was a pretty emotional day for all of us, and Maynard
insisted on playing "Taps" for the little garden ceremony we had planned.
Suddenly he turned to me and apologized for not having asked me first if
that was the way I would like it to be. I was of course lost for words and
reassured him that I loved the idea.
Anyway, Maynard was helped down to the bumpy part of the garden, and with
his cane (because of his feet swollen by gout) he slowly sat on a stool
and played slowly and beautifully. He played with such a gorgeous round
and full sound that I started crying. I remember hearing how carefully and
beautifully he diminished his last note into silence. He then cried and
was a little embarrassed about it. "Taps" was the last piece he ever
played on the trumpet. He passed away 4 days later with all the family
around him at his bed.