Born at Grenfell to medical doctor Robert Edward Rygate, he was educated at St Ignatius College, Riverview.
He also studied medicine subsequently joining the Irrigation Commission as a clerk in Leeton, NSW.
A Labor Party member since 1912, he was prominent in local politics and sports administration, served as coroner, and actively promoted returned servicemen's welfare causes.
In 1959 he was expelled from the party for voting against the abolition of the Legislative Council, and became associated with the Independent Labor Group.
In failing health, his attendance in the Council diminished in 1960 and he died in June at Waverley.