Byron Leo Ristvet was born on August 22, 1947, in Tacoma, Washington. Byron married Linda R. (née Duco) on February 15, 1975, and they had two children: Lauren and Matthew.
Ristvet obtained a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of Paget Sound in 1969. He then obtained a doctor of philosophy degree in geology from Northwestern University in 1977.
Ristvet was active in the United States Air Force from 1973-1977 and then part of the reserves from 1977-1997. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Ristvet worked in mining exploration geology from 1969-1971; the United States Air Force research from 1973-1977; Defense Nuclear Agency beginning in 1977. Ristvet was affiliatied with the Nevada Test Site as a containment scientist for the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA), Defense Special Weapons Agency (DSWA), and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).