Hernán Jesús Cotrino Vanegas, age 75, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Florencia, Caqueta, Colombia to Luis Vicente Cotrino Rico and Dora Alicia Vanegas de Cotrino and was the third oldest of originally nine children.

Affectionately known as "Chucho" or "Abichuchito", Herman grew up being known for his determination, strong work ethic, and mischievous ways. At the age of 18, he received his technical license in machinery from SENA technical school in Bogotá. Soon thereafter, an opportunity presented itself from his uncle Gilberto to come to the United States. The next day Herman showed up at the American Embassy as soon as it opened. The Vietnam War was going on at the time, and when the consuls heard that Herman was a machinist, they immediately sent him for a medical exam, and by the end of the day he was holding a residency card. Just like that, he set out into the world to seek his fortune and arrived in New York City with an 18x16 inch suitcase and ten dollars in his pocket. He worked long days and soon began paving the way for the rest of his six siblings to make their way to the United States as well.

Herman had an adventurous streak and three times decided that he was going to work two jobs for six months straight in order to be able to save up and travel, literally, around the world. It was on one of these trips that he met his wife, Vera Brejniková, on a bridge in Prague, Czechoslovakia. They were married at Křivoklát Castle and after a few years in Hackensack, New Jersey, they decided to seek new opportunities and headed out for the booming oil and gas town of Houston, Texas in 1975.

In 1979, Herman had the opportunity to start his own business, something he had always dreamed of doing. He was nervous at first to take the risk, but with Vera's encouragement, he took the plunge, and in time Rockwell Precision grew into a successful business. Vera and his son Daniel eventually joined him, and together they grew the business for the next 25+ years.

Herman will be remembered as loyal and dedicated with a great sense of hospitality, someone who loved to tell stories with his trademark laugh, who helped many people in need, and who had a unique approach to life.

Herman will be remembered by his children, Daniel Cotrino and Jannette Cotrino McLaughlin; his former spouse Vera Cotrino; his grandchildren Carson, Georgia, Evan, and Ellie; his siblings Gonzalo, Orlando, Ligia, Juan Daniel, Miguel, and Dora; and many nieces and nephews and friends near and far. His death is preceded by his parents and his childhood siblings Gustavo Edmundo and Rafael Antonio.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Klein Funeral Home- Champions. Burial will follow at Klein Memorial Park in Tomball. There will be an opportunity for visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.

Per Herman's wishes, please avoid the color black in your dress. Also, there will be a table to display things that represent what Herman loved and what he meant to others. Please feel free to bring something to place on the display.