Rispah was born in New Plymouth January 25, 1926 to William and Janie Lowe. He began his distinguished government career as an Abaco Island teacher at the New Plymouth School in 1948 and moved to the highest ranks of the Public Service before retiring in 1982. During those years he was twice an Out Island Commissioner, served with distinction nine years in the Customs Service rising to Senior Deputy Comptroller, and capped his career as Secretary for Revenue in the Ministry of Finance. A thinker and problem solver, Rispah was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his distinguished service. Rispah and his wife, Margaretta had four children: Gail, Roland, Gregory and Pamela.