Lang family 'reeling' from double tragedy

The family of Dick and Clayton Lang, the father and son killed in the Kangaroo Island bushfire, say they're heartbroken and reeling from the double tragedy that has come in such terrible circumstances.

Mr Lang, 78, and his 43-year-old son were trapped by flames as they returned to the family property after fighting the blaze for two days.

Their bodies were found on the Playford Highway near Gosse on Saturday.

"Dick and Clayton were prominent members of the South Australian community who rose to the top in their chosen professions," the family said in a statement.

Known as "Desert Dick", Mr Lang was a pioneering bush pilot and safari operator who opened up the outback to travellers from Australia and overseas.

He first offered 4WD adventures in 1965, later adding aircraft trips to all corners of Australia and other countries, from Papua New Guinea to Africa.

"He loved the bush, he loved adventure and he loved Kangaroo Island," the family said.

They said Clayton, one of Mr Lang's four sons, was one of Adelaide's leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons, specialising in hand surgery.

He was supervisor of surgical training and clinical lead of hand surgery at Adelaide's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

"Dick was married to his beloved wife Helen for more than 55 years, having met her in 1959," the family said.

"Helen and the family are heartbroken and reeling from this double tragedy and are touched by people's thoughts at this difficult time."

The Langs also thanked Country Fire Service volunteers, police and members of the Kangaroo Island community who were helping all those affected by the catastrophic fires.